New Delhi (Mizzima) – The United Nations Secretary General on Wednesday urged the Burmese government to create conditions for credible elections in 2010 and to allow the UN a role in the process of national reconciliation.

Ban Ki-moon made the appeal in the meeting of the ‘Group of Friends on Myanmar’, which was attended by foreign ministers of 14 countries, on Wednesday.

In a statement released after the meeting Ban said the meeting has given the ‘Group of Friends’ a chance to consolidate unity in their support on Burma and “called on the Friends, especially Myanmar's [Burma] friends and neighbours, to do more in the best interests of Myanmar [Burma] and its people.”

Ban said the year 2010 is “critical” for Burma as the first elections in 20 years will be held. It must be “held in an inclusive and credible manner to advance prospects for stability, democracy and national development.”

The UN Chief also said he is encouraged by the participation of the ‘Group of Friends’ and the constructive discussions saying, “I welcome the willingness of the Friends to make joint efforts towards national reconciliation, a democratic transition and genuine respect for human rights in Myanmar.”

The group of friends, formed in 2007 by the World Body leader, is made up of Australia, Britain, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam, plus the European Union.