UN chief calls for inclusive, transparent election in Myanmar
0 
Visiting United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called on Myanmar to hold an inclusive and transparent general election which is scheduled early next month.
Ban and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva held a joint press conference at the Government House after bilateral meeting which he lauded it as "productive".
The UN chief said Abhisit briefed him about his recent visit and meeting with Myanmar's leaderships about the forthcoming election and how ASEAN and United Nations to work together to make the election more transparent and more inclusive one by meeting the practice of international community.
When asked how he sees the UN's role in the coming election in Myanmar, he said the UN, by the mandate of the General Assembly, is ready to provide the "technical and logistic support".
He encouraged Thailand and other ASEAN members to help Myanmar people for democratization saying they are in good position to do so.
He also pointed out that how a new government will be formed is the most important issue because it will be the test for Myanmar government whether "they will be able to meet the expectation of international community."
In response to the question whether this election will be truly inclusive, he said "by releasing the political detainees, they can make this election more inclusive and participating."
Ban also unveiled that he has a schedule to hold a bilateral talks with Myanmar's Prime Minister U Thein Sein in Hanoi, Vietnam during the 17th ASEAN Summit.
The general election, the first in two decades, is scheduled to be held in Myanmar on Nov 7, in accordance with the new constitution which was approved in a referendum held in May 2008.
