New Delhi - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the release of detained Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners is the key to enhancing the prospects of an all-inclusive, substantive and time-bound dialogue.
In his report to the UN General Assembly on the human rights situation in Burma, Ban said there is no alternative to political dialogue to ensure that all stakeholders can contribute to the future of Burma.
Ban added that such an approach begins with the release of Burmese Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
The report, which highlights developments in Burma between 23 October 2007 and 5 September 2008, states that with the country reaching a critical juncture, peaceful national reconciliation must be a focus.
"As the country reaches a delicate juncture in its political development, there is no real alternative to a peaceful process of national reconciliation and now is the time for the Government and opposition alike to find ways to talk to each other and work together in the interest of the nation," Ban said in the report.
Though continuing to urge the Burmese junta to try and explore ways out of the political deadlock, Ban expressed his frustration on the lack of a "meaningful response" by the junta to concerns of the international community.
"In this regard, it is unfortunate that specific suggestions of the United Nations to improve the credibility and inclusiveness of the political process have thus far not been taken up by the Government," the report concludes.
Ban said despite the government's efforts in implementing its road map process, the political situation in Burma has become "even more complex and challenging and potentially more polarized, drawing increased attention from the international community, including the Security Council."
Meanwhile, Nyan Win, spokesman of Burma's principle opposition party – National League for Democracy – said they welcome the UN's role but urge the world body to ensure that its efforts are met with cooperation from the military junta and to have a plan 'B' in case the junta fails to respond.
"Yes, it is right that the UN has a role but it can only be effective if the junta cooperates," Nyan Win prospered. "If there are no meaningful responses as is desired, then the UN needs to have an alternative plan on what to do."
The NLD also welcomed Ban's urging of the release of party leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners as the first step towards reconciliation.
"If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners are released, then we can say it is a good start and the first step toward dialogue taken by the authorities," Nyan Win added.
The NLD, however, strongly criticized the Secretary General's Special Envoy's last visit to Burma in August, labeling it "meaningless."
"There is a need for the UN to effectively act. It is true that there are limitations but the UN should talk, urge and push [the junta] strongly despite such limitations," Nyan remarked.
