The Secretary-General has been following with great attention the elections held in Myanmar yesterday. The voting was held in conditions that were insufficiently inclusive, participatory and transparent.

The Secretary-General believes the Myanmar authorities now have a responsibility to turn the conclusion of the first election in twenty years into a new beginning for the country and its people. Consistent with their commitments, the authorities must demonstrate that the ballot is part of a credible transition towards democratic government, national reconciliation and respect for human rights.

The Secretary-General therefore urges the Myanmar authorities to release all remaining political prisoners and lift restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi without further delay so that they can freely participate in the political life of their country. He also urges the Myanmar authorities to ensure that the process of forming new institutions of government is as broad-based and inclusive as possible, and calls for renewed dialogue among all stakeholders in this regard as part of any process of national reconciliation.

The international community will look to the Myanmar authorities to provide greater assurances that the current process marks a genuine departure from the status quo. The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations' commitment to work with the Government and people of Myanmar to help them achieve such a transformation.

The Secretary-General is concerned, meanwhile, about reports of outbreaks of fighting in some areas and urges all sides to refrain from any action that could raise tensions further or create instability at this sensitive time.