UN envoy stresses importance of Myanmar's transition, reforms

A UN envoy to Myanmar has emphasized that his travels to the Asian country are meant to underline the importance of the transition and reform agenda underway there, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters here Friday."Wrapping up his five-day visit in Myanmar, the chef de cabinet and special adviser to the (UN) secretary-general on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, said his visit is a signal of the importance that the secretary-general and the United Nations attach to the need for international understanding, encouragement, and support for Myanmar's transition," said Nesirky. During his visit, which ended on Friday, Nambiar met with Myanmar officials, including Vice-President U Tin Aung Myint Oo, civil society groups and political parties. He met with political figure Aung San Suu Kyi, in addition to attending a conference on green economic growth. Myanmar elected a new government in November 2010. "Mr. Nambiar added that an important purpose of the visit was to directly relay to the Myanmar leadership and other stakeholders the secretary-general's encouragement of the important steps taken in recent months to advance the reform agenda led by President Thein Sein, as well as the significant efforts made by all concerned to advance national dialogue and reconciliation," Nesirky said. Nesirky said Nambiar mentioned that maintaining momentum on national reconciliation is of "crucial importance" for Myanmar to maintain its regional and global standing. "He also said that the release of the remaining political prisoners as part of the recent amnesty process and the enactment of the proposed amend to the political party registration law are steps that can and should be taken as a matter of priority," the spokesman noted. "Continuous dialogue is also needed to bring about peace and development in border areas."