British PM calls vote 'a triumph' for Myanmar

British Prime Minister David Cameron has praised Myanmar's landmark elections as an important step toward democracy and "a triumph for Burmese people, who have clearly voiced their desire for change."

Myanmar, a former British colony, was previously known as Burma. The British Embassy yesterday issued a statement with Cameron's response to the election, as results continued to indicate a massive victory by opposition leader Suu Kyi.

Cameron said the sight of thousands lined up to vote during Sunday's election, some for the first time in their lives, was "a moving moment demonstrating the remarkable progress Burma has made in recent years."

He welcomed the comments of independent election observers that the election was "a generally well-run polling process" and called on all parties to work together for a peaceful and orderly transition as the new government is formed, reports AP.

Meanwhile, Myanmar President Thein Sein has congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party on its success in polls, a spokesman told the BBC.

With about 40% of seats declared, the National League for Democracy (NLD) has taken nearly 90% of the vote. Suu Kyi has written to the leadership requesting talks on national reconciliation. But spokesman U Ye Htut said such a meeting could only take place after the final results were announced.

"Our message to the people of the country on behalf of U Thein Sein is that President U Thein Sein wants to congratulate the Myanmar people for the free and fair and very peaceful election day," U Ye Htut told the BBC.