U.N. OFFICIAL SEES BURMA'S SUU KYI !
A leading UN official, Ibrahim Gambari, has met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as he continues his mission to press for democratic reform in Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest for more than 10 of the past 17 years, told him she was in good health but needed more regular medical visits.
Mr Gambari began the day with talks with Burma's military leaders.
His visit comes as the US says it plans to introduce a UN resolution on human rights abuses in Burma.
The international community is increasing pressure on Burma to make serious changes to its harsh regime.
So far there has been little indication that the ruling generals are willing to co-operate.
Mr Gambari's talks will therefore be watched closely for signs of a possible breakthrough.
He began the day in Burma's new capital, Nay Pyi Taw, where he met military ruler Than Shwe and other senior officials.
Back in Rangoon, he held talks with members of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, the National League for Democracy.
Losing patience
Mr Gambari last visited Burma in May, when he was given the rare opportunity of meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, widely seen as a symbol of resistance to Burma's ruling military junta.
It was the first time in more than two years that a foreigner had been allowed to meet her, and the visit fuelled hopes that she would soon be released, and that the military might finally make some concessions to international demands.
But almost as soon as Mr Gambari left the country, such hopes were dashed.
The international community is gradually losing patience with Burma's lack of progress towards democracy, as well as the many allegations of human rights abuse.
The United Nations Security Council tabled discussions on Burma in September, and the US wants the council to draft a resolution on the issue as soon as possible.
By allowing Mr Gambari to visit Aung San Suu Kyi for a second time, the generals may be preparing to offer some sort of olive branch, says the BBC's Kate McGeown in Bangkok.
But it is clear that nothing less than a solid commitment on reform will be enough to satisfy the international community.
Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest for more than 10 of the past 17 years, told him she was in good health but needed more regular medical visits.
Mr Gambari began the day with talks with Burma's military leaders.
His visit comes as the US says it plans to introduce a UN resolution on human rights abuses in Burma.
The international community is increasing pressure on Burma to make serious changes to its harsh regime.
So far there has been little indication that the ruling generals are willing to co-operate.
Mr Gambari's talks will therefore be watched closely for signs of a possible breakthrough.
He began the day in Burma's new capital, Nay Pyi Taw, where he met military ruler Than Shwe and other senior officials.
Back in Rangoon, he held talks with members of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, the National League for Democracy.
Losing patience
Mr Gambari last visited Burma in May, when he was given the rare opportunity of meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, widely seen as a symbol of resistance to Burma's ruling military junta.
It was the first time in more than two years that a foreigner had been allowed to meet her, and the visit fuelled hopes that she would soon be released, and that the military might finally make some concessions to international demands.
But almost as soon as Mr Gambari left the country, such hopes were dashed.
The international community is gradually losing patience with Burma's lack of progress towards democracy, as well as the many allegations of human rights abuse.
The United Nations Security Council tabled discussions on Burma in September, and the US wants the council to draft a resolution on the issue as soon as possible.
By allowing Mr Gambari to visit Aung San Suu Kyi for a second time, the generals may be preparing to offer some sort of olive branch, says the BBC's Kate McGeown in Bangkok.
But it is clear that nothing less than a solid commitment on reform will be enough to satisfy the international community.
BBC NEWS REPORT.
posted by jackaranda at 9:26 pm
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