U.N. says junta must show its move genuine

NEW YORK, March 31 (UPI) -- Myanmar authorities must show their latest transfer of power is a genuine move away from military rule, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

"Responding to the long-standing aspirations of the Myanmar people for national reconciliation, democratization and respect for human rights remains essential to laying the foundations for durable peace and development in the country," the head of the world body said in a statement.

Ban's call followed Wednesday's appointment of what is claimed to be a civilian government in the isolated South Asian nation, which since 1962 has been under repressive military rule. The new government will be led by President Thein Sein, 65, a retired general and former prime minister under the Senior Gen. Than Shwe-led junta.

"The Myanmar authorities now have an opportunity and, indeed, an obligation to their people, to demonstrate that this change is one of substance and that it is the start of a genuine move away from almost 50 years of direct military rule," Ban said.

Myanmar's new Parliament convened in February after elections in November that were widely criticized as designed to keep the military in power.

The New York Times reported despite the latest change, the military will maintain its hold on power with Shwe pulling the strings from behind the scene.