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New York UN

STATEMENT BY MR JOSEPH TEO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MYANMAR MS YANGHEE LEE THIRD COMMITTEE, 28 OCTOBER 2015

28 October 2015

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Mr Chairman



1                 Thank you for giving me the floor.  I thank Special Rapporteur Ms Yanghee Lee for her presentation as well as her willingness to engage all the key stakeholders in Myanmar.



2                 Myanmar has made significant strides in its political and economic reforms since the government led by President Thein Sein took office in March 2011.  Nevertheless, we should not underestimate the challenges that the Myanmar government has had to grapple with in its transition to democracy. 



3                      Singapore joins the international community in welcoming the landmark signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as an important step towards peaceful national reconciliation.  While some ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) were unable to sign the NCA on 15 October 2015, we welcome their commitment to continue discussions with their communities and the government, on the necessary conditions for them to sign the NCA further down the road.    



4                      Singapore further views the signing of the NCA as a determination of all stakeholders to address long-standing grievances through dialogue.  With the NCA as a visible signal of their commitment to achieving sustainable peace, we are hopeful that the Internally Displaced Persons in the conflict zones and the refugees would soon be able to return home. 



5                      The upcoming General Elections in Myanmar will be another important milestone in Myanmar’s transition to democracy.  We are encouraged that key stakeholders have committed to free and fair elections. 



6                      Myanmar has many friends in this room who have helped it in its reforms.  Singapore has consistently assisted Myanmar in building up its capacity in various concrete ways over the years.   We hope that the international community will continue to engage and support Myanmar, including on human rights issues, based on the principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue. 



7                 Thank you.



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