Burma and the efforts initiated by the special UN envoy for the country, Ibrahim Gambari, will be one of the major items on the agenda of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he meets with Southeast Asia leaders during the Bali meeting on climate change.
Ban is expected to use the opportunity to discuss Burma with regional leaders and the recent efforts to establish democracy, ensure human rights and speed the release of political prisoners including the democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi.

“Throughout the region, in his bilateral meetings with most heads of state and governments, the secretary-general will not talk only about climate change.  Myanmar will be an issue discussed,” said a spokesperson.

During the Bali conference from December 12 to 14, Ban Ki-moon is expected to meet with a number of leaders jointly and also on one-to-one basis. Besides his trip to Indonesia, Ban will visit Thailand and Timor-Leste as part of his trip to the region.

Thailand will be Ban’s stopover in Southeast Asia. During his visit to Thailand from December 9 to 11, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and to have an audience with King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Ban’s spokesperson’s statement is in contrast to one made by the Thail Prime Minister, Surayud Chaulanont, who was quoted in The Nation newspaper last week that Burma was not likely to be discussed during Ban’s visit to Thailand.