Ban Ki-moon calls Suu Kyi, pledging continued UN support for reforms

He stressed that cooperation and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders was essential

Pledging UN support for reforms in Myanmar, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has told pro-democracy crusader Aung San Suu Kyi that the polls, which her party has won were a "defining moment" and have opened up real potential for the country to thrive as an inclusive democracy.

The UN Secretary General phoned the leader of Myanmar's National League for Democracy (NLD) yesterday to congratulate her on its resounding success in this month's elections, pledging continued UN's support for democratic reform efforts.

He warmly noted that her dedication and perseverance in the path of democratic transformation was finally bearing fruit, highlighting the elections as a defining moment in the reform process that has opened up real potential for Myanmar to thrive as an inclusive, harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-religious democracy, according to a UN readout on the call.

Ban stressed that cooperation and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including those representing ethnic groups, religious minorities as well as civil society, was essential.

He underlined that Suu Kyi's appeal to her supporters for a calm and peaceful electoral process as well as for a dignified acceptance of its results, is evidence of her vision and statesmanship.

As a friend of Myanmar, he said the UN would continue to support democratic reform efforts and remain a steady partner as it faces its future challenges.

Ban had already issued a statement last week acknowledging the courage and vision of President Thein Sein "whose leadership in the reform process has helped achieve progress to this defining stage."

The UN has long been involved in Myanmar's transition after more than 50 years of military rule, appointing a Special Adviser to the Secretary General on the issue.

In 2007, Ban set up the "Group of Friends of the Secretary General on Myanmar," a consultative forum of 14 countries to assist him in his efforts to spur change in the South-East Asian nation.

Over the years, he has welcomed the release of political prisoners, including Suu Kyi herself. In 2010 he voiced concern over the decision to dissolve 10 political parties, including the NLD, ahead of the previous elections that November.

Suu Kyi's opposition on November 13 won a parliamentary majority from polls that will allow it to elect a president and form a government in a historic shift in power from the army.

Myanmar, considered one of India's strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640 km long border with a number of North Eastern states including militancy-infested Nagaland and Manipur.

Ties between the two countries are on an upswing, particularly in trade and investment and security.