The Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General for Myanmar (Burma), Mr Vijay Nambiar, concluded a five-day visit (from 12 to 17 February 2012) at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar, according to a press statement on Friday by the United Nations Information Center, Yangon.

In Naypyitaw, Mr. Vijay Nambiar was received by President Thein Sein, Speaker Shwe Mann, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, and the Ministers of Labour and Social Welfare, Border Affairs, Industry, Railways, and Immigration, as well as the Union Peace Committee and Union Election Commission.

The Special Adviser Mr. Vijay Nambiar, together with Vice-President Sai Mauk Kham, inaugurated the ‘Conference on Development Options for Myanmar’ organized by the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar (Burma).

Mr. Vijay Nambiar also met with the General Secretary of the USDP. He also met with the respective Chief Ministers and members of the State government and legislature and local ethnic representatives in Mon and Karen States. He also visited a field project of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and met with local civil society partners.

The Special Adviser met again with NLD Chair Daw Aung San Suu Kyi In Yangon. He also held separate meetings with civil society, ethnic and business representatives.

During his meetings the Special Adviser underscored three main concerns that describes ‘domestic and international perceptions of the pace of reform’ which government has to carry out, according to a press release issued by United Nations Information Center Yangon.

Three priorities along the lines of the reforms are mentioned as follow in the press statement.

The first priority should be to ensure that both the process leading to, and the conduct of, by-elections on 1 April 2012 are credible and transparent to everybody.

“This includes ensuring conditions for a level playing field for all parties to compete openly and addressing complaints swiftly and transparently. The by-elections will be a critical test of the Government’s commitment to broaden and enhance the credibility of the democratic process in the country,” the Special Adviser says in his statement.

The second priority is peace and national reconciliation which are essential to nation’s overall stability and development. It is “closer than ever to a historic achievement” after recent efforts to reach ceasefires and peace agreements by all parties.

“Progress is now needed with regard to the situation in Kachin State, including the needs of the displaced population. Overcoming decades of strife and mistrust through inclusive political dialogue remains an important prerequisite to building a durable peace, which the country requires in order to move forward as one,” the press release says.

The third priority in the Special Adviser’s statement says, “It is urgent that the Government delivers on the socio-economic needs of the people so that they start benefitting in real terms from the reforms so far. Health, education and job creation remain key responsibilities for both central and local authorities in order to empower people to participate fully and equitably in the country’s development and growth.”

It also said that only through the implementation of good economic policies, the current transformation can be accelerated in the interest of the whole population of the nation.

The press release points out that neither peace nor development can be sustained without respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Mr. Vijay Nambiar has praised the Government’s recognition of the importance of partnership with the UN helping Burma to meet the challenges and opportunities before it. According to him, the good offices of the United Nations are ready to work with all stakeholders in this important task.

The Special Adviser said that he consider the international community must take action more forcefully to assist the people of Burma, especially to lift current restrictions on the UN’s to-do list. The statement emphasized that it is the time to boost support and to adjust existing policies in order to help put together conditions for sustaining the reform and for the improvement of peoples of Burma.