Friday, 3 July 2009Ban Ki-moon briefs journalists outside Bayint Naung Yeiktha, in Naypyidaw, Burma, 03 Jul 2009U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the head of Burma's militarygovernment has not yet answered his request to meet with jailedpro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mr. Ban spoke Fridayafter talks in Burma's remote administrative capital of Naypyitaw. TheU.N. chief said he told senior Burmese General Than Shwe that he wantsto meet with Aung San Suu Kyi.
He said he is awaiting a final reply before he is due to leave Burma on Saturday.
Afterarriving in Burma, Mr. Ban said he would urge authorities to releaseall political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. He said he alsowould call on Burmese authorities to prepare the groundwork for acredible election next year. He said the election should reflect thewill of the Burmese people in a "credible, transparent and inclusivemanner."
Mr. Ban has acknowledged that he is on "a very tough mission."
Aung San Suu Kyi is charged with violating the terms of her house arrest. She is facing a five-year prison term.
TheNobel laureate's trial was set to resume Friday after numerous delays. But the court hearing the case issued another postponement, this timeuntil July 10.
Her lawyer, Nyan Win, says the judge postponedFriday's hearing because the Supreme Court did not send the case filesto the lower court.
The international community has condemned the trial as a sham intended to keep her in prison through next year's election.
Observerssay Mr. Ban is risking certain damage to his prestige if he fails tosecure the release of the Nobel laureate and the other politicalprisoners. He has been criticized for his quiet, low-key style ofdiplomacy.
Human Rights Watch warned Thursday that Burma'smilitary leaders could use the U.N. chief's visit to legitimize nextyear's elections.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. |
Friday, 3 July 2009
VOA News
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