Back UN move to probe Myanmar, Asean told

Back UN move to probe Myanmar, Asean told

THE Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus has called on Asean to support a proposal by the United Nations Special Rapporteur to establish a commission of inquiry to look into war crimes and crimes against humanity in the country.

Its vice-president Lim Kit Siang said “more disaster was looming” as the recent elections, which had been condemned by the caucus for fraud and not being transparent, had reignited racial tensions in the country.

“We call on Asean to put in place a peace-building mechanism that will enable UN to play its role more effectively so that a reconciliatory dialogue can truly come about,” Lim said at the Parliament lobby.

“We share Asean’s view that Myanmar needs to work with the regional body and the UN towards national reconciliation. But Asean must take the lead in pressing upon Myanmar the need to work closely with the UN.

“The credibility of the organisation is at stake over the crisis in Myanmar.”

The UN had also criticised Myanmar for holding general election in conditions that were “insufficiently inclusive, participatory and transparent”. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/12/parliament/7415155&sec=parliament