India asks Myanmar to probe violence

India asks Myanmar to probe violence

NEW YORK, Oct 2 – Amid a global outrage over a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Myanmar, India told its military regime to consider launching a probe and said any sanctions from the UN Security Council should only be as a “last resort”, reports PTI. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee conveyed India’s concern over the situation to his Myanmarese counterpart U Nyan Win during a meeting here in the first level contact between the two neighbouring countries since the crisis broke out in Myanmar. The meeting took place yesterday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit.

Mukherjee “suggested that the (Myanmar) government could consider undertaking an inquiry into recent incidents and the use of force,” said a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry.

The Minister also expressed the hope that the “process of national reconciliation and political reform, initiated by the government of Myanmar, would be taken forward expeditiously.”

“During the meeting, the External Affairs Minister expressed concern at the current situation in Myanmar,” the statement said. Noting that India was a “close and friendly neighbour” of Myanmar, Mukherjee said New Delhi “hoped to see peace, prosperity and stability” in that country.

By : The Assam Tribune: October 3, 2007