Burma envoy meets opposition leader

The United Nations special envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, says he has noted greater flexibility in attitudes between the military rulers and the Burmese opposition.

Mr Razali was speaking shortly before going to a meeting with the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, whose movements are strictly controlled by the government.

Mr Razali, who's on a five-day visit to Rangoon, said he was optimistic that a dialogue could be established between the two sides.

He earlier had meetings on Friday with the Burmese Foreign Minister, Win Aung, and the first secretary of the ruling State Peace and Development Council, Khin Nyant.

Mr Razali said Burma needed foreign assistance and democracy to help the country develop.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service