Update Report No. 3: Myanmar
The Council is currently negotiating a possible statement reacting to the ongoing trial of Aung San Suu Kyii. If there is agreement on language and the type of statement (i.e. press or presidential) the Council may meet 20 May. Most members are in agreement with having a statement, although China has expressed reservations about interfering in what it considers Myanmar’s internal affairs. Japan and Russia also appear to be taking cautious positions. The Council issued a presidential statement in October 2007 emphasising the importance of an early release of all political prisoners and the need to create the necessary conditions for genuine dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyii (S/PRST/2007/37). (Our reports on Myanmar can be found at www.securitycouncilreport.org.)
Aung San Suu Kyii has been put on trial for violating the terms of her house arrest by allowing an American to stay in her house after he swam across a lake to her home. There have been strong reactions to the charges against her. The Secretary-General said he was gravely concerned. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued an unusually strong statement expressing also “grave concern” and warning that the honour and credibility of the Myanmar government was at stake. The UK, France and a number of other western countries condemned the government of Myanmar’s decision.
