January 03, 2013: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday took “serious note”
of the most recent reports indicating air strikes against targets in Myanmar’s Kachin
state, where tens of thousands of civilians were forced from their homes last year
due to fighting between the Government and rebels.
“While details of these
reports are still emerging and being closely followed, the Secretary-General calls
upon the Myanmar authorities to desist from any action that could endanger the lives
of civilians living in the area or further intensify the conflict in the region,”
said a statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson.
“The ongoing hostilities have
already caused large-scale displacement of civilians who continue to be in need of
humanitarian assistance,” the statement added. “It is vital that timely access be
provided for the delivery of aid to vulnerable communities.”
Some 75,000 people
were displaced in the northern states of Kachin and Shan since fighting began in June
2011 between Government troops and rebels.
During her visit to Myanmar last
month, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, discussed
with President Thein Sein her concern about the lack of humanitarian access in parts
of Kachin, particularly with the onset of winter.
In today’s statement, Mr.
Ban also urged all concerned parties to work toward political reconciliation in order
to build the basis for “a fair and durable outcome for all.”