UN special envoy to Myanmar meets with leading government and opposition figures

UN special envoy to Myanmar meets with leading government and opposition figures

2011-05-14 11:04:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Myanmar on Friday wrapped up a visit to the country, where he met with senior members of the newly installed government.

Vijay Nambiar said in a press statement that during the three-day visit he underlined the importance of the government implementing its stated commitments on such issues as governance, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable development.

"In all my meetings I stressed that this must include the release of all political prisoners and inclusive dialogue with all segments of society, as well as greater outreach to the international community to ensure that the proposed reforms enjoyed broad buy-in," he said.

"Only then can there be greater confidence that the efforts undertaken will indeed serve to meet the long-standing needs and aspirations of the people of Myanmar. There is no time to waste if Myanmar is to move forward."

During the visit, Nambiar met with various ministers, and held discussions with the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD). Suu Kyi was released from six years of house detention on November 13.

Nambiar welcomed the themes and reforms outlined by President Thein Sein in his inaugural speeches on "some of the most pressing political and economic challenges facing Myanmar."

The leader of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, Thein Sein, was sworn in as president of Myanmar on March 30. As president, he became the official head of state, assuming power at the blessing of his mentor Senior General Than Shwe, who came to power in a coup 19 years ago and has ruled the country ever since.

During his inaugural speech, President Thein Sein said the country must build a modern army or risk being bullied by other countries. Myanmar has been subject to economic sanctions by Western countries since September 1988 after a military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement.

Myanmar's 8th president since independence, Thein Sein is seen as one of the least corrupt members of the ruling junta generals. The cabinet is overwhelmingly comprised of retired and serving military personnel.

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