• “The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Myanmar authorities to honour their publicly stated commitments to hold inclusive, free and fair elections in order to advance the prospects of peace, democracy and development for Myanmar.” • “As essential steps for any national reconciliation and democratic transition process, the Secretary-General strongly urges the authorities to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld for all citizens of Myanmar and to release all remaining political prisoners without delay so that they can freely participate in the political life of their country.”

Secretary-General SG/SM/13058 (13 Aug 10) Secretary-General Notes Announcement Elections to Be Held in Myanmar 7 November, Strongly Urges Release of All Remaining Political Prisoners without delay

"In Myanmar, my special adviser and I are deploying every effort to continue to engage with the authorities. It is a source of frustration [...] that Myanmar has been unresponsive so far to these efforts. A lack of cooperation at this critical moment represents nothing less than a lost opportunity for Myanmar."

Reuters (10 Aug 10) U.N. chief irked by Myanmar leaders ahead of vote

• “I have been persistently, consistently demanding that all the political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, should be released without condition as soon as possible so that they would be able to participate in the political process since Myanmar is going to have an election this year." • "This election should be an inclusive process where all the parties and all the people can participate. This election must be held in a credible and impartial and objective way."

Al Jazeera (19 Jun 10) UN and US urge Suu Kyi's release

"It is frustrating and disappointing that we have not seen the progress we expected. The current electoral laws do not measure up to what is needed."

CNN (26 Mar 10) U.N. critical of Myanmar election process

"The government must create conditions that give all stakeholders the opportunity to participate freely in elections. This includes the release of all political prisoners - including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - and respect for fundamental freedoms."

Mizzima News (26 Mar 10) Burma faces critical challenges: Ban