Statement by HE U Wunna Maung Lwin  before adoption of the draft resolution (A/HRC/7/L.37) the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situations of human rights in Myanmar 28-3-08

Mr. President,

            As we all are fully aware that the council will soon begin the UPR process which includes all Member States of the United Nations under the same footing. We strongly believe that this process will serve to strengthen the capacity of Member States to comply with their human rights obligations.

           Therefore, the extension of the country specific mandate will run counter to the principles and objectives of the Human Rights Council.In fact, the Commission on Human Rights failed to apply the widely respected principles of non-selectivity, objectivity and impartiality. Therefore,the Human Rights Council should not apply the double standards pursued by the former Commission. 

          We in Myanmar believe that only the people of Myanmar know best its own objective conditions and realities and that it must be able to shape its destiny in keeping with its historical , political, economic, social and cultural conditions. The international community should therefore recognize and encourage the positive political developments in Myanmar .

           Politically motivated pressures would hinder the momentum of political progress we have achieved . Adoption of the two resolutions  on the same country for the same issue at the same session clearly shows that Myanmar has been selectively targeted by the powerful countries for their own political motives.

          However, since cooperation with the United Nations remains the cornerstone in our foreign policy,   we, on our part, will continue to cooperate with the Human Rights Council in the spirit of sincerity as long as our national interests and sovereignty are not infringed upon.

I thank you.