Statement by Ambassador Asoke K Mukerji, Permanent Representative of India to UN during Meeting of the Partnership Group for Peace, Development and Democracy in Myanmar on 25 April 2014

1.At the outset, let me thank the UN Secretary-General for convening this meeting of the \'Partnership Group for Peace, Development and Democracy in Myanmar\'. We are also extremely honoured to have in our midst H.E. U Khin Yi, Minister for Immigration and Population of the Government of Myanmar. It goes without saying that the presence of Minister U Khin Yi adds significant value to today\'s meeting.

2.The change of the nomenclature of this group from \'Group of Friends of Myanmar\' to the \'Partnership Group for Peace Development and Democracy in Myanmar\' is a significant step taken by the international community in recognition of the movement by Myanmar in its path of peace, development and democracy.

3.India\'s relationship with Myanmar is based on shared cultural, socio-economic and historical links. Our relationship has grown as a result of interaction at various levels including at the highest levels. The landmark State visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after a gap of 25 years, was a major milestone in bilateral relations. Our PM visited Myanmar again in March 2014 to participate in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit level meeting.

4.As emphasized by our Hon\'ble PM during his 2012 visit to Myanmar, India stands ready to extend all necessary assistance in accelerating Myanmar\'s democratic transition and developing the capacity of democratic institutions. The Government of India has extended grants-in-aid of about US $ 670 million for projects in the fields of human resource development, infrastructure, agriculture, information technology, health and industrial training in Myanmar. An MOU for extending a Line of Credit for US $ 500 million was signed during the visit of Prime Minster to Myanmar in May 2012. We are progressing well on various connectivity projects underway in Myanmar including the Kaladan Multimodal Transit-Transport Project; India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway; Tamu-Kalawa-Kalemyo Road; and Rhi-Tiddim Road.

5.With respect to the Rakhine State, we have noted that the Government of Myanmar has taken steps towards restoration of law and order and has expressed readiness to cooperate with UN and other humanitarian agencies regarding rehabilitation of those affected by violence. India has extended humanitarian assistance worth US$ 1 million to the Government of Myanmar as part of our support for the relief, rehabilitation and community building measures being undertaken in affected areas of Rakhine province.

6.Over the last few years, the Government of Myanmar has instituted significant political and economic reforms towards greater democratization. We have welcomed these steps. We continue to support the steps taken by the Government of Myanmar towards reform and reconciliation, with reference to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, release of political prisoners, holding of peace talks with the ethnic groups, including the Kachins, and proposal for signing of a nationwide ceasefire accord soon. These are positive steps, especially given that elections are due to take place next year. We take note of the recently concluded census operation and hope that the data generated would help in formulating policies which would be beneficial for the holistic growth of the country.

7.We wish to underline the importance of the international community pursuing the path of engagement with Myanmar to encourage the further advancement of national reconciliation as well socio-economic development. India is fully committed and stands ready to support Myanmar in this endeavour.

8.As we stated during the Third Committee deliberations in November 2013, we believe that time has come for member States to now agree to the discontinuation of the resolution on human rights situation in Myanmar. This would convey the international community’s strong support and encouragement for the reform measures that are already underway in Myanmar.

9.India reiterates its support to the Secretary General\'s initiative of organizing today\'s meeting of the partnership group. We also place on record the tireless efforts of Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser for Myanmar and his team. India stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in the process of consultations with other like-minded countries on the issue. We would also like to extend our best wishes to Myanmar for its Chairmanship of ASEAN.

I thank you.