US President Barack Obama has called on his Myanmar counterpart
Thein Sein to exert efforts to ensure an inclusive and credible
election in 2015.
During their telephone talks
on October 30, the US leader applauded the Myanmar Government’s
commitment to the peace process, urging Nay Pyi Taw to make every effort
to conclude a national ceasefire and protect the rights of minorities.
He also stressed the importance of addressing
tensions in Rakhine State, where violence erupted in 2012 between
Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, killing at least 200 people.
Obama also talked over the phone with opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi, during which he emphasised the need for all parties to join the
general election, which is scheduled for late October or early November
next year.
The talks took place one day before
President U Thein Sein’s unprecedented meeting with political and
military leaders.
Obama is paying his second visit to Myanmar in mid-November to attend two regional summits there.-VNA