Thank you Mr President,
According to paragraph 4 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms must be considered as a priority objective of the UN and a legitimate concern of the international community. We therefore find it appropriate to use this opportunity to express serious concern about the ongoing and highly disturbing developments in Myanmar.
We urge the Myanmar government to refrain from all use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. We encourage the government to take a forward looking approach and to start an inclusive dialogue with the opposition and representatives of ethnic groups. The monks, religious leaders, student leaders and activists should not be seen as a threat to national stability.
Norway condemns the gross and systematic violations of human rights in Myanmar. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
In line with the purposes and principles of the UN, as acknowledged and reinforced in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, we urge the Myanmar government to respect their international obligations and to cooperate fully with the UN human rights and development mechanisms.