Source: http://www.un.int/usa/press_releases/20070926_216.html
Date: September 26, 2007

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 216                                                         September 26, 2007 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Remarks by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, U. S. Permanent Representative, on Burma, Georgia and Lebanon, at the Security Council Stakeout, September 26, 2007
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: Good afternoon, 
 In the aftermath of the President’s speech yesterday, particularly with regard to Burma and taking into account what has happened in Burma in the last twenty four hours, reports of demonstrations by monks and others, reports of beatings by the Burmese security authorities, reports of arrests by the Burmese authorities, reports of actual death of some demonstrators by the security forces. The council met in closed session to discuss the situation in Burma. It was generally agreed, and we specifically emphasized, that it’s very important that we take steps to prevent the situation from getting worse. To condemn, that was the U.S. position, the actions of the Burmese authorities. 

In terms of the killings that have taken place, the arrests and the beatings, to call on the government to release political prisoners, to stop attacking peaceful demonstrators, to enter into a political dialogue with the oppositions, and for the UN to play its role in facilitating actions that could avoid escalation and put Burma on the right path. And we supported the Secretary General’s decision to dispatch Mr. Gambari to Burma and call on the Burmese authorities to receive him immediately to allow him to do what he can to prevent escalation and put Burma on the right path. 
 
It’s very important that this be done on an urgent basis. It’s not good for Mr. Gambari’s visit to be delayed, for the situation to continue to escalate, to pose an increasing threat to regional peace and stability. It wouldn’t be good for Mr. Gambari to go and visit gravesites after many more Burmese have been killed. But rather to go now to prevent - to do what he can. We will also do things ourselves. We’ve called on the neighbors, we’ve called on other states that have influenced Burma to do what they can to encourage the regime to move from one of oppression and violence to reconciliation and dialogue and move towards democracy. It was a good discussion and the President of the Security Council will have something to say. Thank you.
 
Reporter:  What about the EU-US call for sanctions, is that possible at the council, are you expecting it to happen outside the council?
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: Well of course we have decided on some sanctions that the President has. He announced those yesterday and there are of course sanctions that the EU or EU nations can impose. With regard to the Security Council, our preference is for Mr. Gambari to go there immediately, he is being dispatched to the neighborhood tonight, he does not have a clearance to visit Burma at this point. It is very important that the Burmese receive him immediately, allow him to do what his mission is, and for him then to come back and brief the council and for the council to hear from concerned parties and then based on that report make decisions as to next steps. 
 
Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, are you disappointed or concerned that the council couldn’t come up with anything stronger today and really agree on a statement condemning actions in Burma/Myanmar and if not why not was there nothing further to be said?
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: Well the President of the council will speak, express the concerns that we have and other members had with regard to the situation. We would have hoped that our national position for a very strong statement condemning what has happened, but you know the council is made up of many members. But I think where we are now was for Mr. Gambari to be dispatched and for the Burmese government, we are grateful that the Secretary General is dispatching him tonight, but the key thing is for the government to stop oppressing its people and allowing Mr. Gambari to come in.
 
Reporter: Have you reached out to your counterpart from Myanmar, have you spoken to him at all?
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: I have not spoken to him but Mr. Gambari said he had met with the foreign minister of Burma.
 
Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, what was the role of the discussion on Georgia in your discussions today?
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: We have not turned to Georgia yet.
 
Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, what about the press statement on Lebanon, was it cancelled? 
 
Ambassador Khalilzad: No, that has not been cancelled we are still considering a statement. Thank you.