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UN Envoy Sees Hopeful Signs in Burma

Junta's overtures to dissident Suu Kyi 'historic opportunity'

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2007 6:56 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The UN's envoy to Burma told the Security Council today that a proposed meeting between the country's military leader and detained activist Aung San Suu Kyi was a "historic opportunity"—but only a first step toward ending mistrust that contributed to the government's recent crackdown. The US ambassador reiterated his threat of Council action, though China and Russia oppose any move.

Ibrahim Gambari said the release of all political prisoners was "a necessary step" towards progress. Although he was allowed two meetings with Suu Kyi, the government denied him access to members of her party. The government continues to round up pro-democracy protestors; dissident groups say more than 6,000 have been detained and 200 killed.

U.N. Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, center, greets diplomats after he briefed members of United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar at U.N. headquarters Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Gambari said he is cautiously encouraged that Myanmar's military ruler is prepared to hold talks with...
U.N. Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari, center, greets diplomats after he briefed members of United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar at U.N. headquarters Friday, Oct. 5,...   (Associated Press)
A South Korean protester holds a candle in front of a picture of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight rally against Myanmar's military junta, downtown of Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The top U.S. diplomat in Myanmar was summoned for rare talks...
A South Korean protester holds a candle in front of a picture of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight rally against Myanmar's military junta, downtown of Seoul, South...   (Associated Press)
Kyaw Tint Swe, left, the ambassador of Myanmar to U.N. sits next to U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari, right, as he briefs members of United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar at U.N. headquarters Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Gambari said Friday he is...
Kyaw Tint Swe, left, the ambassador of Myanmar to U.N. sits next to U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari, right, as he briefs members of United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar...   (Associated Press)
U.N. Envoy Ibrahim Gambari briefs members of the United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar at U.N. Headquarters Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Gambari said he is cautiously encouraged that Myanmar's military ruler is prepared to hold talks with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu...
U.N. Envoy Ibrahim Gambari briefs members of the United Nations Security Council on his recent tour and findings in Myanmar at U.N. Headquarters Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Gambari said he is "cautiously encouraged"...   (Associated Press)
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