Secretary-General Congratulates President U Htin Kyaw on His Election by Myanmar Parliament

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Following the historic national polls on 8 November 2015, the Secretary-General congratulates His Excellency U Htin Kyaw, who was elected today by the Myanmar Parliament as the first civilian President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in more than five decades.  He welcomes this as a significant achievement towards advancing the democratic reforms ushered in by the outgoing Government.

The Secretary-General hopes the people of Myanmar will continue steadfastly on the path of democracy and national reconciliation, and at this defining moment of transition, calls upon President-elect U Htin Kyaw, as well as all other significant stakeholders, to work inclusively towards a smooth and peaceful consolidation of unity and stability in the country.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to continue to support efforts to advance peace, development, human rights and the rule of law for the benefit of all the peoples of Myanmar.