Pranab calls for political reform in Myanmar

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for an early political reform in Myanmar, saying the process of national reconciliation initiated by the authorities in that country should be expedited.

New York, Sept 27 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for an early political reform in Myanmar, saying the process of national reconciliation initiated by the authorities in that country should be expedited.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, India hopes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar where all sections of the people will be included in a broad based process of national reconciliation and political reforms," said Mukherjee, who is in New York to attend the United Nation's General Assembly.

He added that India is monitoring the situation "closely," and expressed the hope that both sides would resolve their issues through dialogues.

Mukherjee's comments came after consultations in the UN Security Council and criticism of the use of force by Myanmar authorities against pro-democracy demonstrators staging the biggest anti-junta protests in 20 years.

India, along with China and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), is considered to have some leverage over Myanmar, where two monks and a civilian were reported killed in the protests.

A joint EU-US statement issued at the UN earlier called on China, India and ASEAN to use their influence to press the junta to open talks with opponents.

India shares a 1,645-km border on its east with Myanmar. New Delhi has invested in developing ports, building roads and railways, and is also competing with Beijing for Myanmar's oil and gas reserves. The two countries have also exchanged several high-level visits in recent years.

Mukherjee also said that the issue of terrorism may figure in bilateral talks at the General Assembly, including with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"When we are having bilateral discussions with any leader, including the leaders of important countries like U.S.A., various subjects come (up) for discussion, and naturally terrorism is one important issue which is dominating the current international scenario (and) may figure in our discussions," he said.

ANI