Akhir 26, 1432, March 31, 2011, SPA-- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday Myanmar must show that its change in government is substantive after the handover from military rule to a civilian president. The military has ruled the Southeast Asian country for almost 50 years, and controversial elections last November were intended to start a new era of civilian governance. In a statement, Ban said he “has taken note” of the change in government. “The Myanmar authorities now have an opportunity and, indeed, an obligation to their people, to demonstrate that this change is one of substance and that it is the start of a genuine move away from almost fifty years of direct military rule.” Ban added that he “believes the authorities must engage in an inclusive dialogue with all relevant parties on broad reforms necessary for the development of a credible system of government that can effectively address the political and socio-economic challenges facing Myanmar.” Leading opposition figure Aung San Suu Kyi was not allowed participate in last November's elections, and her National League for Democracy party boycotted the polls. Ban has also called for the release of an estimated 2,100 political prisoners.
