Myanmar leader promises to 'address' ethnic tensions: UN

Myanmar leader promises to 'address' ethnic tensions: UN....

Myanmar's President Thein Sein promised UN leaders he would tackle ethnic unrest between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state which has raised widespread international concern, the UN said Saturday.

Thein Sein, President of Myanmar, speaks during the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27 in New York. Thein Sein promised UN leaders he would tackle ethnic unrest between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state which has raised widespread international concern, the UN said Saturday.

Thein Sein made the vow in a meeting with UN leader Ban Ki-moon at the end of the UN General Assembly summit, where Muslim leaders have led calls for action to help tens of thousands of Islamic followers displaced by the unrest.

Ban and Thein Sein discussed the fighting in Rakhine "and the immediate and long-term perspectives to promote intercommunal harmony and address the root causes of the tension there," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

"The president confirmed the country would address the long-term ramifications of this question," he said.

Ban also called for "concerted efforts" to end the government's war with ethnic rebels in Kachin in the north of the country where the Thein Sein has led reform efforts over the past two years.

The Myanmar leader vowed before the UN General Assembly that he would seek to tackle the problems in Rakhine state.

Since fighting in Rakhine state in June almost 90 people, both Buddhists and Muslims, have been killed, according to an official estimate, although rights groups fear the real toll is much higher.

Human Rights Watch has accused Myanmar forces of opening fire on stateless Rohingya Muslims during the violence -- an accusation denied by the government -- prompting concern across the Islamic world.

Thein Sein has been in New York at the same time as opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and in a landmark speech to the General Assembly praised her efforts for "democracy."

The UN talks included "political reforms as well as socio-economic development and national reconciliation," the spokesman said.

"The secretary general commended the president's political vision and leadership and encouraged him to continue to focus on the reform process and on its consolidation."

Ban organized a ministerial meeting of the Friends of Myanmar group on Friday with representatives from the United States, European Union and Asian states.

Ban's special advisor on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, said ministers noted "the progress made by the government of Myanmar" since the last meeting one year ago.

"We hope it will continue and result in the strengthening democratic institutions and forging peace with all ethnic and religious groups in the country," Nambiar told reporters.