Ban welcomes talks between Myanmar’s President and opposition leader

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today he is encouraged by last week's meeting between Myanmar's President U Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with both figures voicing satisfaction with discussions aimed at finding common ground on issues that would benefit the country.

The United Nations chief expects that Friday's meeting will be followed by further steps towards a sustained high-level dialogue focused on national reconciliation, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“Whether these and other recent developments will move Myanmar forward depends on how all parties choose to work with each other,” said the statement. “It is in the national interest that they seize the opportunity to extend and accept conciliatory gestures to achieve durable peace and unity.”

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for the release of all political prisoners as a matter of priority to give an opportunity to all citizens of Myanmar to contribute to the promotion of national reconciliation and democratic transition.