Ban Ki-Moon on Burma talks

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has warned he faces a "tough mission" when he meets Burma's top general. Mr Ban is hoping to persuade the junta supremo to free all political prisoners and ensure next year's elections are credible. He said he would ask Senior General Than Shwe when they meet in the country's new capital, Naypyidaw, to allow him to see opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose trial was adjourned earlier on Friday. "I'm going to urge the generals to accelerate their political process and release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi," said Mr Ban. He said he would convey international concern about Ms Suu Kyi's trial and press the regime to ensure next year's planned multi-party elections are credible and transparent. "The genuine will of the Burmese people should be reflected," said Mr Ban. The stakes are high for Mr Ban and the risk of failure great. Halfway through a five-year term at the helm of the UN, he has faced a wave of criticism from detractors who say his low-key approach to the job does not work. He made it clear he was under no illusions about how difficult it would be to persuade the military junta to free prisoners and take concrete steps towards democracy ahead of next year's multi-party elections. He said: "We must try our best to bring changes. I'll do my best but I do not believe my visit should be a make-or-break event. This will be a very difficult mission."

» More on this story... «

ITN | July 3, 2009

Tags:. .senior. .shwe. .supremo. .aung. .credible