Thailand congratulates the United Nations Secretary General for his initiative and successful organization of the 2nd High Level Meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) of the UNSG on Myanmar, which was held on 23 September 2009 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The outcome of the meeting reflected an emerging consensus among the participants that, in addition to other approaches, more engagement with Myanmar is needed.
Thailand therefore wishes to reaffirm its full commitment to supporting the role of the UNSG’s good offices in Myanmar.
In this connection, Thailand also welcomes the review of the United States’ policy towards Myanmar, as previewed by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the GoF Meeting, and subsequently announced by US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell on 28 September 2009, which aimed to ensure Myanmar’s smooth transition towards democracy and participation as a responsible member of the international community.
Thailand and ASEAN have consistently used an engagement approach with Myanmar, for the benefit of Myanmar and her people as a whole. In this regard, Thailand stands ready to work closely with ASEAN, the US, the UN and other stakeholders to engage with Myanmar in a constructive and concerted manner to ensure substantive political development in Myanmar.
Thailand sincerely hopes that Myanmar will continue to move forward in the right direction, as expressed by the Myanmar Prime Minister during the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 28 September 2009, and take steps to hold free and fair elections that will include the participation of all parties concerned. Such a development will help bring about stability and prosperity to the region as a whole.
The release of prisoners, including some political prisoners, on 17 September 2009 by the Myanmar authorities can be considered to be a positive step in the right direction towards a democratic society. However, more action is needed in order to create an environment conducive to achieving a political system with full participation, as well as the sustainable long-term socio-economic development of Myanmar.
Thailand urges the international community to provide Myanmar with humanitarian and development assistance. The Tripartite Core Group (TCG) has greatly contributed to helping the people of Myanmar and the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis. Nonetheless, the Post Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP) is in urgent need of more financial mobilization. In the long run, the best practices of the TCG could prove to be a practical basis for Myanmar’s sustainable development.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th