A setback to democracy in Myanmar: UN

United Nations, Sept. 6 (PTI): Expressing serious concern over recent crackdown in Myanmar following "peaceful" protests over surge in fuel prices, a top United Nations official has questioned the military government's commitment to democratization.

The action cannot be "seen in any other way than a setback for Myanmar," Secretary-General's special adviser Ibrahim Gambari asserted and called for release of all political detainees including those arrested over hike in fuel prices.

"They are all the more disappointing as they not only have the effect of calling into question the stated commitment to democratisation and national reconciliation by the authorities, but also make it more difficult to maintain international support, for engagement with Myanmar at a time when we believe strongly that the country needs international assistance in addressing the many pressing challenges, from political and human rights issues to humanitarian and socio-economic problems," he told reporters yesterday.

"We strongly believe that there should be opportunities in the period ahead to improve on the outcome of the document of this National Convention [which concluded yesterday] in ways that are more inclusive, more participatory and more transparent," he said, adding that some provisions adopted at the Convention "would seemingly run counter to the objectives of national reconciliation and democratization."

Gambari said he expects his next visit to Myanmar, for which he has a standing invitation from the Government, could took take place by mid-October.

"The expectations of the UN and of the international community are very clear and they require concrete results from Myanmar. I will continue to carry that message," he said.