Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) –The United Nations special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, is due to arrive today in Yangon for his second visit since last Septembers’ anti government protest. Meanwhile yesterday the Military junta expelled Charles Petrie, the UN diplomatic mission chief in Myanmar.
Some maintain that the Burmese authorities made this step to force Gambari to dedicate his mission to discussion on the role of the United Nations in the nation and not, as had been forecast, the political reforms and the situation of the democratic movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Officially, Petries’ distancing of Petrie has been justified by a report, published a week ago, harshly criticising the economic policies of the Junta, responsible for the deep crises which has hit the country.
Following the publishing of the report the UN diplomat was issued a letter from Naypyidaw – the country’s new administrative capital – accusing him of having “acted beyond his station” and informing him of his expulsion. The procedure has yet to take place, but it is believed it will happen soon.
The junta’s decision has provoked widespread reactions in the international community. Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary general has expressed his “disappointment” underlining that “Gambari will express all of my concerns regarding the issue to the junta”. Washington and the EU defined the move as “unacceptable”.
