Burma - UNSC Discussion

The United States welcomes today's UN Security Council briefing by the UN Secretariat on the deteriorating situation in Burma. The Security Council’s direct involvement on the issue of Burma is another reminder of just how serious the situation in that country has become. Along with the Secretariat, several Council members expressed growing concern over the effects of the regime's misguided policies on the Burmese people and the Southeast Asia region.

The United States views continued UN and UN Security Council involvement as essential to putting Burma on a path towards democracy, and greater prosperity and stability. Today's Security Council briefing and recent statements by Southeast Asian governments signal a renewed international commitment to seeing progress and send a strong message that the status quo in Burma is unacceptable. We urge our partners to continue to make clear to the regime that the National Convention, as currently constituted, does not represent legitimate, meaningful progress. We reiterate our calls on the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, Hkun Htun Oo, and all other political prisoners, to initiate a credible and inclusive political process, to grant access for UN representatives, and to lift restrictions on UN agencies and NGOs providing humanitarian assistance.

2005/1182