Ban worried over Myanmar

2009-07-03 07:09

Singapore - UN chief Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday that he was embarking on a "very difficult" mission to Myanmar aimed at obtaining political results from the ruling military, but pledged to do his best.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of his trip, Ban said he had not received any confirmation that he would be allowed to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's jailed pro-democracy icon and opposition leader.

He said he would raise the issue of meeting the Nobel laureate when he meets Myanmar junta leader Senior General Than Shwe in the remote administrative capital of Naypyidaw on Friday.

"I will try to meet representatives of all registered political parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi”,  he told journalists.

Resumption of trial

Ban underscored the challenges during his visit, which the New York-based Human Rights Watch warned would be a "huge failure" if he fails to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

"It is a very difficult mission," Ban said.

"But in order to bring changes to Myanmar in the political reconciliation and democratisation (process), we need to do our best."

Ban said he was aware that he was visiting Myanmar "under certain uncertainties", apparently referring to the resumption on Friday of Aung San Suu Kyi's trial for allegedly breaching the terms of her house arrest.

She faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

He will also visit the region devastated by Cyclone Nargis last year to see recovery efforts.

- SAPA