UK Welcomes UN Security Council Action On Burma

David Miliband, Foreign Secretary
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

United Nations Action On Burma

Responding to the first ever formal statement by the UN Security Council on Burma, the Foreign Secretary David Miliband said:

"I very much welcome this statement. It is the first time ever that the United Nations Security Council has issued a formal statement on Burma: and it was a statement supported by all 15 members of the Council including all the permanent members. That represents a very significant shift in global politics from just a few weeks ago. It is proof that the recent brutal crackdown upon and ongoing persecution of peaceful protestors has completely isolated the Burmese regime. They must now respond to these growing global calls for them to work with others in building a better future for the people of Burma.

The signal the international community sent to the Burmese regime - and to the brave Burmese people - today is very clear: that we strongly deplore the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations; that we want to see a release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees; and that we expect the Burmese authorities to engage in a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and with all concerned parties and ethnic groups in Burma to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation with the direct support of the United Nations.

In that regard I also welcome the first meeting, at the request of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, of the Core Group on Burma. The Core Group will support Professor Gambari's work to facilitate a process of reconciliation in Burma. The UK is a member of the Core Group and committed to playing a full and active role."

Notes:

The statement issued by the United Nations Security Council today was a Presidential Statement. This requires consensus from all members of the Security Council.

The Core Group on Burma is chaired by the United Nations and includes representatives from China, Singapore, India, US, Japan, UK, Norway, France and Russia

ENDS

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