UN mediator to return to Myanmar in next few weeks

Bangkok, Nov 9 (UNI) UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari who has wrapped up his second mission to promote national reconciliation in Myanmar, has been invited by the country's military rulers to return to the country soon.

According to a press statement issued by the United Nations in Myanmar, ''Mr Gambari, the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser in Myanmar is expected to return to Myanmar in the next few weeks''.

Mr Gambari left Myanmar yesterday for Singapore on his way back to UN headquarters after a six-day visit to the country, during which he met senior members of the military regime and detained pro-democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi.

''As a result of the good offices role of the UN Secretary-General and engagement with the Government, the Opposition and other relevant parties, we are not where we were a few weeks ago,'' noted the UN statement.

''We now have a process going which would lead to substantive dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a key instrument in promoting national reconciliation in an all-inclusive manner,'' it added.

Mr Gambari was also authorised to make a statement on behalf of Ms Suu Kyi at the conclusion of his second trip to Myanmar, after the crackdown by state security forces on Buddhist monk-led peaceful protests in Yangon in September.

UNI