Myanmar told to involve everyone in political process

The Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar met here and discussed the recent developments in Myanmar, including the general elections and release of Suu Kyi.
Looking ahead, the meeting called upon the Myanmar authorities to build on recent developments, including through the specific steps proposed by the United Nations to make the political transition broad-based and inclusive.

"The authorities should be in a better position now to meet their responsibilities to move towards greater openness, dialogue and reconciliation so that all those who have a contribution to make can do so," according to a readout issued after the meeting.
"In order for any transition to succeed, it is imperative that this should involve not only those who participated and won seats in the election, but also those who did not or could not," the statement said in an obvious reference to pro-democracy leader Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest last month.

She could not participate in the general elections.The group that includes the US, UK and China also called for the release of political prisoners."Addressing concerns about the credibility of the process to date is also essential for any next steps to succeed," the statement said.

Addressing the meeting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the recent elections were in "unsatisfactory nature" and told the group that the next two months will be crucial for Myanmar, potentially determining its political future and its place in the international community.

"The Secretary-General told the Group of Friends that, regrettably, the conduct of the elections was far below the international community's expectations. Looking ahead, we need to keep encouraging the authorities to take steps to make the political transition broad-based and inclusive," his spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters.

Ban's chief of staff Vijay Nambiar, who was the first top UN official to meet Suu Kyi after her release, briefed the group on his recent trip to Myanmar.

"The meeting also highlighted the need at this time for greater international consensus towards Myanmar," the statement said.Meanwhile, at a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council today, UK and other countries demanded that Ban Ki-moon appoint a full time Special Envoy to Myanmar rather than having Nambiar continue part time in the position.

British Ambassador to the UN Mark Lyall Grant raised the issue during a a close-door meeting of the UN Security Council on Myanmar here.Nambiar told the meeting it "is being considered," the British envoy said.The Mexican Ambassador to the UN, Calude Heller, too was quoted as saying that Ban should name a full time new envoy for Myanmar.