Indian envoy meets detained Burmese democracy icon

Indian envoy meets detained Burmese democracy icon

Syed Ali Mujtaba
Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)

October 11, 2007 - The Indian ambassador to Burma met pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi a couple of weeks ago and there are indications that talks could take place between the military junta and pro democracy groups soon.

India's Ambassador met Suu Kyi once and the Foreign Secretary met her twice. The generals and the Nobel Laureate have made some reconciliatory gestures and indications are that dialogue will soon begin between the junta and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, India's External Affairs spokesman said here on Tuesday.

"India has been both privately and publicly seeking release of Suu Kyi and pressing the junta to hold talks with her to make her inclusive in all processes," he said.

New Delhi notes that the present military regime in the neighbouring country has reached agreements with 17 ethnic groups. "Myanmar's [Burma's] process of national reconciliation initiated by the authorities should be expedited," sources said.

New Delhi was hopeful that the UN Special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari's endeavour would bear fruit. "We are ready to work with like-minded countries on Burma and have been extending support to Special UN Envoy Ibrahim Gambari," the official said.

India has also asked the military regime to hold an inquiry into the recent bloodshed. It is of the opinion that military crackdown this time was not as severe as in 1988-89 and feels that there should be a 'credible inquiry' in the recent incidents and report should be published, a Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said.

"We are concerned at the situation in Burma and are monitoring it closely. It is our hope that all sides will resolve their issues peacefully through dialogue." he said.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, India hopes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Burma, where all sections of people will be included in a broad-based process of national reconciliation and political reform," he added.