The top UN representative in Myanmar, Charles Petrie was summoned by the junta for a meeting on Friday, where he was told that his mandate will not be renewed. According to a UN spokesperson, the military regime was upset with the critical remarks made by Petrie, in the wake of last months’ protests. The move comes at a time, when the UN special envoy Gambari is due to embark on new mission to Myanmar.

Hopes for Progress

Gambari visited Myanmar in late September, just days after the brutal crackdown by the military regime on peaceful protests. During that trip, he met both the junta chief Than Shwe and the opposition leader Aung San Suu kyi. Later he travelled to Myanmar’s regional partner countries, including China and India, to step up pressure on the ruling generals.

On his new mission, he is expected to press the military regime for reform and more democratic measures, including the release of all detained activists as soon as possible. He is also expected to urge the junta to prepare a framework for meaningful dialogue with Suu Kyi. Soe Ong, a Burmese dissident in Thailand is optimistic: “ I am hopeful that he is going to delver a strong and clear message to the regime that the ongoing arrest and tortures should not be continued.”

Call for more sanctions

Gambari’s visit also comes amid signs that the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US have produced some results. The country’s air line Air Bagan limited has been forced to suspend it flights between Singapore and Myanmar. The blow came earlier this week when the airline’s banks in Singapore informed it that they would stop dealing with it for the time being. The airline’s owner Tay Za, along with 10 other individuals and companies are on a US government blacklist because of their close ties with the junta‘s ruler. Maung Maung is an exiled leader. He thinks that only sanctions can put pressure on the regime: “We would like to have more concrete actions against the income of the regime. We have to stop the money going to the regime. That’s why we are calling for more sanctions.”

However not every country is in favour of sanctions against the regime,. Myanmar’s key trading partner China and ASEAN members have so far clearly ruled out any kind of sanctions and harsh measures against the regime, saying they are in favour of a dialogue and a national reconciliation. Amid these different opinions and the expulsion of the UN chief in the country, it is not going to be easy for Mr Gambari to seek a solution. But the expectations are high and as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said earlier this week, they are looking forward to substantive results.