Senior General Than Shwe's comments to a pro-junta group followed a number of heavy jail sentences handed down by the country's courts, including the lengthening of a prison term given to Myanmar's most famous comedian.

'The state's seven-step road map is, indeed, the only way to smooth (the) transition to democracy as well as (its) own transitional work programmes,' Mr Than Shwe was quoted as saying by the New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

'The government and the people have to materialize in harmony,' he told the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), a pro-military social organisation, the paper said.

Authorities say the group has 24.6 million members, about half of the country's 57 million population. Analysts have said the junta could turn the USDA into a political party ahead of the elections which are due in two years.

'Now, plans are well under way to see to the remaining steps including the 2010 transition work programme. So, it is fair to say that the future of the state structure is certain to materialize,' Than Shwe said.

Than Shwe described a widely criticised national referendum held in May on a new constitution as a crucial step for the so-called road map.

The referendum was held a week after Cyclone Nargis hit, leaving 138,000 people dead or missing. Authorities said the poll, carried out without independent monitoring, was backed by 92.48 per cent of voters.

The United States, European Union and United Nations have dismissed the lengthy 'road map' in Myanmar, formerly Burma, as a sham due to the absence of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

'Despite various disturbances and pressure of those who do not want to realise the objective conditions of the nation, the goal of the state is drawing near,' Mr Than Shwe said.

Mr Than Shwe's speech came in a month when more than 160 activists have been given long jail terms by the military regime, according to opposition sources, after protests led by the nation's revered Buddhist monks last year.

At least 31 people were killed in a brutal crackdown that followed the demonstrations, according to the United Nations.

Myanmar's most famous comedian Zarganar was sentenced to 45 years in prison earlier this month, while sports writer Zaw Thet Htwe was handed a 15-year jail term.

Both were arrested in June after organising deliveries of aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis.

The NLD won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but the junta did not allow them to take office.

Myanmar has been ruled by the military since 1962. -- AFP