Myanmar/UN Ban Ki-Moon visit

Ban fails in bid to see Aung San Suu-Kyi

Article published on the 2009-07-04 Latest update 2009-07-04 09:45 TU

Ban Ki-moon (L) with Myanmar's Senior General Than Shwe (R) in Naypyidaw
(Photo: Reuters)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon told reporters Saturday that he is "deeply disappointed" by the refusal of Myanmar's military rulers to allow him to see National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He described the decision as "a setback for the international community" and "a missed opportunity for the Myanmar authorities".

After meeting top general Than Shwe in the new capital, Naypyidaw,  Ban said that he had pushed hard to be able to see the jailed NLD leader.

"The senior general told me repeatedly that while he really wanted to agree to my request, at this time he felt sorry that because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is now under trial, this would not give a good impression," he said.

"They didn't want to be seen as being interfered with or pressured by our side. But when the time comes he said he would consider this request."

Many democracy campaigners have cast doubts on the value of Ban's visit, which follows a previous trip which persuaded the government to accept international aid after 2008's Cyclone Nargis. 

On Saturday afternoon he visits areas affected by the storm before giving an unprecedented address to NOGOs, diplomats and UN agencies in the main city, Yangon.

In his meeting with Than Shwe, Ban also proposed a five-point agenda for reforms. UN officials say there was "considerable resistance" to the proposal to set up "good offices" in Yangon to provide a permanent structure for the UN there.

He said that he believes that the military is "seriously considering" releasing political prisoners before elections set for 2010.