Arrests of dissidents in Burma "extremely disturbing" : Gambari

"It runs counter to the spirit of mutual engagement between the UN and Myanmar (Burma)," Gambari said after meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, at the start of a six-nation tour to seek Asia's help in resolving the crisis in Burma.

Rights groups have said that four of the country's most prominent political activists were arrested over the weekend. Gambari said the reports were "extremely disturbing and these actions must stop at once."

The envoy was to meet later in the day with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. Gambari travels next to Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, India and China before returning to Burma.

"The UN is committed to do everything it can to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis," he said. Gambari said he had an invitation confirmed to visit Burma in mid-November but hoped to go back "sooner rather than later."

When asked if Burma's Southeast Asian neighbors and the international community have done enough to resolve the crisis, he said: "I believe so but we can all do better. We could do more. Not just Thailand ... India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Nations, we could do more."

by Supalak G Khundee

The Nation