Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (2008 File)Burma's ruling military junta says it will allow journalists to observe the trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which entered its third day Wednesday.

A total of 10 reporters, split equally between foreign and local news agencies, will be able to attend the proceedings at Insein prison near the main city of Rangoon.

The regime is also allowing all foreign embassies to send one diplomat to observe the trial. And one anonymous diplomat says envoys from Thailand, Singapore and Russia will meet privately with Aung San Suu Kyi after Wednesday's proceedings.

The Nobel Peace laureate is charged with breaking the terms of her house arrest after an American man swam to the opposition leader's lakeside home earlier this month and stayed there for a couple of days.

If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison. Her two female live-in assistants are also on trial.

The international community has condemned the Burmese government over Aung San Suu Kyi's arrest and trial, calling it an excuse to extend her house arrest, which expires later this month. She has been under detention for 13 of the last 19 years

The Association for Southeast Asian Nations has issued a rare criticism of Burma, expressing its "grave concern" over the trial, and warned that Burma's credibility is at stake. Burma is a member of the 10-nation bloc.

The trial of the pro-democracy leader comes ahead of next year's elections, which have been criticized as a sham to reinforce the military's grip on power. The military has ruled Burma since 1962, and refused to recognize the results of the 1990 elections, won by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party.

John Yettaw, the American who swam to the opposition's house, is also on trial for breaking Burma's security and immigration laws.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.