High Representative Catherine Ashton Congratulates the Government and People of Myanmar on the Conduct of the By-elections of this Weekend

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, issued the following statement yesterday:

"I congratulate the Government and people of Myanmar on the conduct of the by-elections on 1 April. We will continue to support the on-going reforms in Myanmar and look forward to developing a new and cooperative relationship as these go forward." (Link to press statement A155/12)

Earlier, the spokesperson of the High Representative had indicated that the by-elections were a key moment of national reconciliation, allowing for a substantial review of EU policy vis-a-vis Myanmar. (Link to press statement A151/12)

Elections were held in 44 constituencies, representing only a small share of the over 600 seats in both houses of parliament. On Monday, it became clear that the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, had won 43 of the available seats, ensuring her a seat in parliament. The elections, which were closely followed by a team of EU electoral experts alongside a wide range of international observers, swiftly reopened the debate on the EU sanctions against Myanmar.

It is the first time that foreign observers were allowed access to the electoral process in Myanmar. Notwithstanding the sweeping victory by the NLD, observers noticed a number of apparent irregularities and questionable practices. However, there was no way to establish the significance of initial concerns in the absence of a full, long-term observation mission.

(Read more: The Telegraph, 1 April 2012)