Ban asks Myanmar to seek reconciliation

United Nations, Aug 24: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the authorities in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint in responding to any demonstrations and encourages all parties to avoid any provocative action, Mr Ban's spokesperson said.

Mr Ban also said he is following the events in Myanmar with a hawkish eye and with concern after reports of arrests of student leaders and others by the authorities in the Southeast Asian nation.

In the spirit of the efforts of mutual engagement being pursued by the United Nations and Myanmar in the context of his good offices, the UN chief also called for ''constructive dialogue towards national reconciliation at this important time in Myanmar's history''.

Earlier this month, Mr Ban's Special Adviser on Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari held talks with government officials in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Two months ago he had toured Europe and other parts of Asia.

UNI