UNITED NATIONS, November 13 (Sputnik) — UN Secretary-General congratulated Myanmar's President U Thein Sein on Thursday for the progress in advancing peace process and building democracy in the country.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "commended the President's leadership in advancing the peace process between the Government and ethnic armed groups. In light of recent developments, he underlined the need for all stakeholders to take a leap of faith and move forward with mutual trust and confidence toward the signing of a nationwide ceasefire and beginning a discussion on the framework of a political dialogue," a statement published on the UN website read.
Ban also praised the president for "the momentous changes taking place in Myanmar as the country progresses on the path of democracy and reform."
Referring to the situation of the Rohingya people, persecuted Muslim minority in the country, Secretary-General "took note of the recent steps taken by the Government in Rakhine, including the appointment of a new Chief Minister and consultations on the three-year Action Plan."
At the same time, Ban emphasized the need for further steps and cooperation with the UN in delivering developmental and humanitarian aid.
Religious conflicts and ethnic tensions in Myanmar began when the country declared independence from Britain in 1948.
Clashes between the Buddhist majority and the Muslim Rohingya minority in the Rakhine State of Myanmar in 2012 led to the displacement of around 140,000 people, according to the UN. The Myanmar government denies citizenship to the Rohingya, treating them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
Many Muslims currently permanently live in special camps, lacking basic medical care.
