Ban Ki-moon addresses Myanmar's Parliament

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said told Myanmar's Parliament that he saw "dramatic" political improvements in the country. Myanmar freed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from a lengthy house arrest just weeks before the first general election in years. The United States and European governments have eased sanctions on Myanmar as political reform evolves. Ban hailed the democratic transition taking place in Myanmar. "The dramatic changes sweeping Myanmar have inspired the world, and we know that your ambitions for the future reach higher still," he said. "We know that Myanmar can meet the challenges of reconciliation, democracy and development but it will take your full determination and your common leadership and partnership." Ban met with Suu Kyi, who gained a seat in the country's legislative assembly in elections last month. He added that Myanmar should make human rights a national priority for the sake of national democratic unity. "Progress takes partnership," he concluded. "The United Nations stands ready to help in every way we can." Ban's address to Parliament was the first time an outside guest had spoken before the assembly.