Paulo Sergio Pinheiro

Burma has dropped its threat to withdraw from the International Labor Organization.

Speaking in Bangkok, the United Nations' special envoy on Burma, Paulo Pinheiro, told reporters he received notice on Friday clarifying Burma's renewed commitment to cooperating with the ILO.

Burma threatened last month to withdraw form the ILO, saying the U.N. agency was interfering in its internal affairs.

Mr. Pinheiro called today's message a positive step, saying it was important for the ILO to continue working to end forced labor in the military-ruled country.

In Geneva, Burma's ambassador to the ILO told its governing body late Thursday that Rangoon was committed to being part of the international community and would continue to be a member.