The Ethnic Nationalities Council deeply regrets the decision last week by Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council to expel Mr. Charles Petrie, the head of the United Nations Country Team out of the country. The Burmese authorities accused Mr. Petrie and his UN Country Team of making false statement about the current state of socio-economic conditions in Burma.

By all statistical indicators and available evidence, the humanitarian situation in Burma is dangerously deteriorating. The ENC therefore firmly stands behind the October 24 assessment by Mr. Petrie and his team.

The expulsion of Mr. Charles Petrie puts into serious question the sincerity and stated commitment by the military regime to fully cooperate with the mandates of the United Nations in tackling the political and socio-economic issues in Burma.

The ENC urges the State Peace and Development Council to reverse its decision to expel Mr. Petrie and to seriously consider the concerns expressed by the Thirteen International Non-Governmental Organizations working in the country regarding the humanitarian conditions in Burma.

The Ethnic Nationalities Council welcomes and fully supports the ongoing UN initiative to facilitate political reform and national reconciliation through the Secretary-General's Special Advisor Mr. Ibrahim Gambari. The ENC recognizes the importance of continued and sustained UN involvement, as well as the crucial role and full participation of Burma's neighbours in the ongoing process.

To further strengthen this process, the ENC strongly recommends the establishment of a permanent office of the United Nations Secretary-General in Rangoon in order to put in place an effective progress-monitoring mechanism.

For more information please contact:

Lian H. Sakhong
General Secretary
Tel: +46-18-26 03 95 (Sweden)

Saw David Taw
Joint General Secretary
Tel: + 66-(0)81 3064 351 (Thailand)

http://www.encburma.org/enc/ enc_statements.htm#Ethnic_Nationalities_Council _Regrets_Expulsion_of_Top_UN_Official,_Urges_Permanent_Presence_of_ UN_Good_Offices_in_Burma_

ENC Information
P.O. Box (49)
Chiang Mai University P.O
Chiang Mai 50202
Thailand

http://www.encburma.org/enc/enc_info.htm
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