UN invites Singapore to discuss Myanmar situation

Singapore, Oct 5 (UNI) Singapore, as chair of the ASEAN this year, will be invited to the UN Security Council to discuss the current situation in Myanmar following UN Secretary General's Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari's visit to the violence-born country.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon conveyed the invitation when he called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today.

Mr Ban thanked Mr Lee for Singapore's support of Mr Gambari's mission, and uprised Mr Lee of the outcome of the visit and the next steps forward.

Mr Lee assured the Secretary-General of Singapore and ASEAN's continued commitment to the UN's efforts, said a statement from his office today.

As ASEAN alone would not have enough leverage, Mr Lee also stressed the need for the other powers to weigh in and give complete support to Mr Gambari and the UN, the statement said.

Mr Lee has also written to the leaders of China, India and Japan to convey these views, and to encourage them to work together with ASEAN and the UN to help the parties in Myanmar find a way forward for national reconciliation.

UNI