Ban is 'disappointed' his request is turned down by junta leader
NAYPYIDAW - UNITED Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has outlined his vision for a democratic Myanmar, is 'deeply disappointed' that the leader of the country's military junta refused to let him meet pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Empty-handed return
Mr Ban departed with a stern rebuke for military ruler Than Shwe, saying that the reclusive general had missed an opportunity to show the regime's commitment to implementing democratic reform and to holding free elections in 2010.
But his failure to extract even the smallest concession from the iron-fisted regime plays into the hands of critics, who warned him against visiting at the same time as Aung San Suu Kyi faces an internationally condemned trial.
Mr Ban pressed Senior General Than Shwe on the issue when they met in the bunker-like capital Naypyidaw yesterday, the second time in two days.
But he was told that the Nobel Peace laureate is off limits because she is on trial.
She faces charges of breaching the terms of her house arrest by allowing an American intruder to stay at her home on May 4.
Mr Ban told reporters yesterday on the tarmac at Naypyidaw airport before heading to Yangon: 'It is a setback for the international community, and it is a missed opportunity for the Myanmar authorities.
'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.
'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.'
The UN chief also said he had pressed 'very hard' for the release of all political prisoners and that he expected the regime to free some ahead of elections promised by the generals next year.
'I believe they are very seriously considering releasing political prisoners if not soon, at the latest before the beginning of this election,' he said.
