United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the first time has expressed his "growing frustration" over failure of the Myanmar military junta to respond to the world body's efforts to promote national reconciliation and democratisation.

Admitting that the world body's effort have failed to achieve the desired results, Ban once again asked the government to release all political prisoners immediately and initiate "genuine dialogue" with the opposition. Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the Group of Friends on Myanmar who include India Ban said yesterday there had been little progress since the last meeting in late September.

"I sense not only a higher expectation, but also a growing frustration that our efforts have yet to yield the results we all hope for," Ban said. "I share this sense of expectation and frustration." Ban said he welcomed the Myanmar Government's declaration that cooperation with the UN is a cornerstone of its foreign policy but expects "a concrete action" by them to implement their commitment. Ban has been pursing reconciliation and democratisation in Myanmar through his good offices role, as mandated by the General Assembly, and his Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari has visited the country several times and held talks with top Government officials.

"My good offices should not be seen as an end in itself, or as a justification for inaction," Ban said. "In order to be able to pursue this role in an effective manner, it is necessary that all concerned parties across the spectrum step up efforts to help my good offices move forward."

Source : PTI