United Nations, July 17: Expressing "deep concern" over the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and other pro-democracy activists in Myanmar, UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has demanded that they be set free forthwith and government start negotiations with them. During a meeting with a senior envoy of Myanmar government yesterday, Annan said he is concerned about the welfare of Suu Kyi, 58, and other leaders and activists of the National League of Democracy (NDL) being held incommunicado by the military rulers since May 30.
The envoy, Deputy Foreign Minister U Khim Maung Win, had met Annan to explain his government position on the arrests which apparently did not impress the UN chief. Annan told reporters that he had told the envoy that they should be released without further delay and that it is the responsible of the government to ensure the safety of Suu Kyi and her NDL colleagues in or out of detention.
Asked if the Security Council would take up the issue of Myanmar and impose sanctions, Annan said, "It is not an item on the council's agenda."
The United Nations has been trying hard to initiate a process of reconciliation leading to democracy in the country. However, the military rulers say the western type of democracy is a recipe for instability and have accused international community of trying to interfere in its internal affairs. NLD had won elections in 1990 but was never allowed to rule the country by the military government. Bureau Report