Myanmar's forthcoming election will not be credible unless the military rulers release Nobel prize-winning opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. A UN ministerial group – which included ministers from China, India, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia as well as Britain and the United States today clearly reiterated the need for the election process to be more inclusive, participatory and transparent. The group called for steps to be taken for the release of political detainees including Aung San Suu Kyi. Talking to reporters after the meeting with the Friends On Myanmar group, Mr. Ben Ki-moon said this is essential for the election to be seen as credible and to contribute to Myanmar's stability and development. No Myanmar government representative was at the meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Ban met Myanmar's foreign minister, U Nyan Win, at the UN headquarters on Sunday though. The United States and European Union have sanctions against Myanmar. But China has shielded Myanmar from UN sanctions.