Thursday, November 08, 2007

Myanmar criticises UN envoy, decries new sanctions

from Yahoo News

By IANS

Yangon, Nov 7 (Xinhua) Myanmar's information minister has strongly criticised new sanctions against the country, saying it has resulted in delayed development and hindered poverty alleviation, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday.

'It is true, the economy and the socio-economic situation are not improving as they should, even though the government has been making efforts,' said Information Minister Brigadier-General Kyaw Hsan, during a meeting with the visiting UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari in the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday.

'Collective attempts inside and outside the country to impose sanctions on investment, monetary aid and trade are some of the main causes for this situation,' he said, referring to the new sanctions imposed by the US, the European Union and Australia.

Hsan said he was disappointed at Gambari's previous trip to Myanmar, as it did not bear any constructive outcome, but brought about further sanctions instead.

'If you bring along the instructions of the leaders of a big power (referring to the US) and only listen to the demands of anti-government groups, it will not help to solve Myanmar's problems,' he told Gambari.

'We will not accept external pressure any longer,' he said.

Hsan rejected the formation of a poverty alleviation commission for Myanmar by the UN as proposed by Gambari, saying that the commission would not be required if sanctions were lifted.

He maintained that 'previous pressures and sanctions did not provide any help to our democratisation process, nor did the new pressures and sanctions'.

He said Myanmar welcomes positive cooperation, but will never accept any interference that may harm its sovereignty.

'There should be cooperation instead of sanctions and only then can we alleviate poverty,' he emphasised.

On Tuesday, Gambari also met Minister of National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Minister of Religious Affairs Brigadier-General Thura Myint Maung separately in the capital.

Gambari is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Lieutenant-General Thein Sein and SPDC first secretary Lieutenant-General Tin Aung Myint Oo Wednesday.

Gambari will also meet Aung San Suu Kyi, representatives of the National Unity Party (NLD) and other interlocutors, as well as the UN country team and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Gambari arrived at Yangon Saturday afternoon on a second visit to the country at the invitation of the Myanmar government to mediate for the country's national reconciliation.

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