White House applauds Myanmar by-election

Washington, April 3 (IANS) The White House has applauded the parliamentary by-election in Myanmar, calling it an important step in the country's democratic transformation.

"This election is an important step in Burma's (Myanmar's) democratic transformation, and we hope it is an indication that the government of Burma (Myanmar) intends to continue along the path of greater openness, transparency and reform," Xinhua quoted White House spokesman Jay Carney as saying in a statement.

Carney used Myanmar's other name Burma.

"We congratulate the people of Burma on their participation in the electoral process, and Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy on their strong showing in the polls," he said.

The opposition National League for Democracy led by Suu Kyi won a sweeping victory in Sunday's polls, the first ever under the civilian government that took office in March 2011.