Chinese Envoy Says Beijing Hopes to See Burma Speed Up Democratization
Text of report in English by Japan’s largest news agency Kyodo
Yangon [Rangoon], Nov. 17 Kyodo – A Chinese special envoy told Myanmar’s [Burma's] junta Friday that his government wants to see Myanmar speed up its democratization process by achieving political reconciliation through coordination, a state-run newspaper reported Saturday.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi was quoted by the New Light of Myanmar newspaper as having told junta officials that China “hopes that Myanmar will be able to resolve the current issues through coordination so as to speed up the democratization process.”
“China supports the efforts made by the government and people of Myanmar to achieve political reconsolidation and improve their people’s livelihood,” he said.
Wang made the remarks in a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital, with Information Minister Brig. Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Foreign Minister Nyan Win and Labour Minister Aung Kyi.
China, which has close ties with Myanmar, has been under international pressure to use its influence to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar, where the junta in early October violently cracked down on pro-democracy protests spearheaded by the country’s monks.
Wang also explained China’s position on the role of United Nations in the country, saying China supports the mediation efforts of Ibrahim Gambari, special adviser to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, with a hope that the international community will provide positive and constructive assistance to Myanmar.
“China, meanwhile, will continue to support the mediation efforts of the UN secretary general and his special adviser, Mr Gambari,” he said. “It is China’s sincere hope that political stability, economic development and tranquillity would be achieved in Myanmar.”
China has said it opposed the use of sanctions to solve the crisis in Myanmar as that would be counterproductive.
Originally published by Kyodo News Service, Tokyo, in English 0953 17 Nov 07.
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