The resolution strongly deplores the crackdown by the military on demonstrators and urged for the release of all those who have been arrested in the recent “peaceful protests”. The resolution also asked the junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi.
However, the resolution welcomes the government of Myanmar’s decision to receive Special Envoy of the United Nations Mr. Ibrahim Gambari. It also asks the government to co-operate fully with the humanitarian organizations to ensure justice.
Though India too was party to this resolution in the UN, India said that Myanmar is a ‘close, friendly neighbour’ with whom it shares cultural, historical and religious relations and the recent developments are a matter of concern for the Indian government and are being monitored closely by it.
However, India expressed its ‘regret on the text of the UN resolution and added that the resolution adopted is not fully in conformity of this approach. Further, its unhelpful tone does not contribute to effectively pursuing the objective of engaging constructively with the authorities in Myanmar, which is essential to make a difference to the situation on the ground.
Despite these concerns, India, in a balancing act, joined the consensus with the hope that the Council’s further engagement on the issue will be undertaken in a positive manner.