UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari (right) shakes hands with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Nyan Win (left) in Yangon on August 18.

THE United Nations special envoy Mr Gambari arrived into Yangon on August 18 and was originally slated to stay for five days but this was extended. The reason for this change of plan has not been voiced by either the government or the UN.

However, international media reports said the envoy was due to leave Yangon on August 23.

“He [Mr Gambari] has extended his visit as needed,” UN spokesperson, Ms Marie Okabe, told reporters in New York on August 22.

The stated intention for Mr Gambari’s visit – his sixth since his appointment in May 2006 – was to hold discussions with the government.

During his stay in Myanmar, Mr Gambari met with a number of senior government figures, members of political parties and several social organisations.

On August 19, Mr Gambari met with the Spokes Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council in Yangon led by the Information Minister, Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan, and also included the Foreign Minister, U Nyan Win, as well as Culture Minister, Major General Khin Aung Myint.

Mr Gambari also held separate talks with the Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, U Soe Tha, and the Health Minister, Dr Kyaw Myint, the following day.

That day he also held separate talks with government members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, national races and members of political parties, including five central executive committee members of the National League for Democracy party.

Mr Gambari held a second round of talks with NLD officials, including its chairman U Aung Shwe, on August 22.

The visit also included meetings between Mr Gambari and the Liaison Minister U Aung Kyi as well as members of the referendum commission.

UN secretary general Mr Ban Ki-moon last visited Myanmar in May to hold talks with the government on allowing foreign aid workers to assist the government to deal with the massive humanitarian crisis precipitated by Cyclone Nargis.

The cyclone wrought massive destruction in Ayeyarwady and Yangon divisions, killing nearly 100,000 people and leaving nearly 2.5 million in need for humanitarian assistance.

“Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, following his discussions with the Myanmar leadership during his visit to the country after the cyclone, said that he expects his good offices to be deepened and broadened by the continued engagement of his special adviser [Mr Gambari].

“He [Mr Ban] has also indicated his intent to return to Myanmar when conditions are right to continue his dialogue with the Myanmar leadership.

“At this point it is too early to confirm the secretary-general’s calendar,” she said.