Quintana to visit Karen and Mon states

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 15:04 Mizzima News

(Mizzima) – The United Nations human rights envoy to Burma will visit Hpaan in Karen State and Mawlamyine in Mon State to assess the plight of Burmese ethnic groups.

Tomas Ojea Quintana, who arrived on Wednesday, will also meet with the speakers of the two houses of Parliament and a number of ministers including those of foreign affairs, defense, border affairs, home affairs and information.

During his last trip to Burma in August 2011, he welcomed the government's reform efforts and acknowledged steps in improving its human rights situation.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the government’s democratic reforms so far and said he planned to Burma the country soon to have further discussions with the authorities.

“I am very pleased and encouraged by what the current Myanmar authorities led by President Thein Sein have been doing, including the releasing of political prisoners,” Ban said in New York.