I wish first of all to thank you for the initiative you have taken in convening today's open debate on Women and peace and security. It has now been 5 years since the Council has adopted the landmark resolution 1325(2000). By this resolution, the international community looks upon women, not merely as victims in conflict situation, but as active participants in conflict resolution and peace building. The 2005 World Summit outcome gave an added impetus to this motion by recognizing the importance of providing women with the opportunity for equal participation and their full involvement in efforts to maintain and promote peace and security.

Women and girls are among those who suffered most from conflicts. They therefore have strong desire for peace and security and yearn to take active part in this process.

The underlying causes of conflicts are many and varied. In most cases poverty, socio-economic and gender inequalities and underdevelopment are root causes. In the case of my country, a Union made up of over a hundred national races, weakness in the constitution that was imposed upon us at the time of independence was the main cause. Because of the weakness in the Constitution, Myanmar had to face armed insurgencies barely a few months after regaining our sovereignty in 1948. It was only recently that we are able to achieve national reconciliation and 17 insurgents groups have come back to the legal fold. Their representatives have now joined other delegates in the National Convention that is laying down the principles of our new constitution - a constitution that would be acceptable to all nationalities of the Union. I am happy to say that women of Myanmar are taking active part in the National Convention. Resolution 1325 also contains the important component of ensuring the protection of and respect for the human rights of women and girls. In Myanmar the government was instrumental in the formation of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and has been actively implementing policies to promote and protect the rights of women and girls.

I wish to commend the Secretary-General for submitting an action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325(2000) on women and peace and security across the United Nation system. I have noted that the action plan contains strategic programmes as well as quick impact strategies. We are happy to see that the plan has been structured around 12 important areas of action. We are particularly pleased that preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff, related personnel and UN partners is included as one of these action areas. Myanmar's values, tradition and culture, abhor sexual exploitation of women. We therefore strongly support the implementation of zero tolerance policy. We are also happy to see that the plan of action has incorporated accountability mechanisms.

I am confident that the action plan and the recommendations contained in the report as well as the Peace Building Commission established by the 2005 World Summit will contribute meaningfully in promoting the role of women as envisioned in Security Council Resolution 1325(2000).