Myanmar leader promises to 'address' ethnic tensions

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Myanmar's President Thein Sein promised United Nations leaders he would tackle ethnic unrest between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state which has raised widespread international concern, the UN said on Saturday.

Thein Sein made the vow in a meeting with UN leader Ban Ki Moon at the end of the UN General Assembly summit, where Muslim leaders have led calls for action to help tens of thousands of Islamic followers displaced by the unrest.

Mr Ban and Mr Thein Sein discussed the fighting in Rakhine "and the immediate and long-term perspectives to promote intercommunal harmony and address the root causes of the tension there," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

"The president confirmed the country would address the long-term ramifications of this question," he said.