Viet Nam supports the national reconciliation process in Myanmar, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem affirmed while receiving the United Nations Secretary General’s special envoy to Myanmar in Ha Noi on Saturday.

Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari has been in Viet Nam since Friday for a five-day visit as part of the UN’s plan to exchange views with ASEAN member countries in dealing with the Myanmar issue. Gambari has already visited several other ASEAN member countries.

Deputy PM Khiem also stated that Viet Nam had backed a dialogue between concerned parties in Myanmar to find a solution that was acceptable to all sides and wished Myanmar would quickly achieve stabilisation so as it could concentrate on building the country.

The Vietnamese senior official welcomed positive developments in Myanmar, saying he appreciated recent co-operation between the UN and Myanmar and expressed his hope that the co-operation would continue to be fostered on the basis of respect for the UN Charter to bring in more positive outcomes in the near future.

As a former victim of embargoes and blockade policies, Viet Nam would not support any embargo or blockade on Myanmar and respected the Myanmar people’s right to self-determination, the Deputy PM stressed.

He told his guest that the UN Security Council non-permanent membership for the 2008-09 term was an honour for Viet Nam but it also placed a heavy responsibility on the country. Viet Nam was willing to take part in solving issues of mutual concern, and continue to co-ordinate in dealing with the Myanmar issue, Deputy PM Khiem said.

He praised the UN for its activities in Viet Nam and reiterated that the country always treasured its co-operation with the world body and would always be an active and responsible member.

The UN envoy highlighted Viet Nam’s role and position in Southeast Asia and the country’s non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council which will take effect as of January 1, 2008.

He briefed the Deputy PM, who is also Foreign Minister, of positive developments in Myanmar and several problems that needed to be solved.

The envoy also said that the UN wanted to co-operate with Viet Nam as well as with other Southeast Asian countries to make sure the Myanmar issue can be handled smoothly. — VNS