UN "Deplores" Violence in Myanmar

In its compromise statement, the 15-member council called for a "genuine dialogue" between Myanmar's military rulers and the opposition, led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The original draft had called for the "immediate release" of prisoners and had strongly "condemned" the violence but China and Russia demanded that the wording be softened before it agreed to sign.

But generally, from China to the United States, the ambassadors to the UN seemed satisfied as they left the Security Council. After the tough negotiations they had managed to agree on a statement "deploring" the violent crackdown on the demonstrations in Myanmar.

Although the final statement was much weaker than the original draft, the British ambassador to the UN said it was an important step nonetheless: "The Security Council has just issued its first ever statement on Myanmar and it encapsulates the views of all members of the council. It's been unanimously agreed."

International security not at risk

Even Russia's representative could not understand why it had taken so long to find a common agreement although his country and China had done most to hinder the issuing of the statement. Russia and China argued an interference in Myanmar would only worsen the situation.

They also added that the Security Council had no role to play because international peace and security were not at risk. After the issuing of the statement, the Russian ambassador Vitali Churkin said it was still not a fact that the Security Council had a role to play:

"It's not a fact -- it's only the consequence of the fact that the vote was taken at the Security Council to bring it onto the agenda of the Security Council. But a number of members of the Security Council and, maybe more importantly, the neighbours of Myanmar have not argued that the situation there is a threat to international and regional peace and security."

National reconciliation

Wang Guangya, the Chinese ambassador, also appeared satisfied: "We hope that this statement will be helpful to continue the dialogue with all parties in Myanmar and to help Myanmar to achieve national reconciliation."

The representatives of European Union countries and the United States said they had hoped for a stronger reaction and hinted at their doubts. It is clear that they remain critical and they hope the situation in Myanmar will continue to be carefully observed by the Security Council. But, at this moment in time, it seems unlikely that Russia and China will accept a stronger statement than this relatively watered-down version, let alone one which calls for sanctions.

At the weekend, the UN special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, is due to fly back to the region to talk with the neighbouring countries about their view of the situation in Myanmar, and he is reportedly planning another trip to Myanmar itself.