UN debates Mynamar crisis

In the face of enormous international pressure, UN diplomats met for over three hours and debated a draft statement condemning Myanmar military's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

The fine text debated in New York on Tuesday, was drafted by the US, the UK and France, and was submitted to the Security Council on Friday, after members heard a report from UN Emissary Ibrahim Gambari on his recent mission to Myanmar.

What was discussed on Tuesday is a Presidential statement, which unlike a resolution requires a consensus from all the 15 council members to be adopted.

But arriving at a fine print that is agreeable to all might be easier said than done.

China and Russia, both countries that hold veto power at the Security Council, have said they consider the situation in Myanmar to be an internal matter, which poses no threat to regional or international peace and security.

China, which is Myanmar's biggest trading partner, favours constructive engagement with its military regime.

It is under these conditions that the council experts now plan to meet again on Wednesday after submitting the amended version, arrived at Tuesday's meeting to their ambassadors for approval.

A presidential statement, unlike a resolution, is non-binding. But if all approve a strongly worded text, including China, a stung message would have been sent out to the Junta.

Source: ndtv.com