Burma's military ruler 'conciliatory'

The leader of the Burmese military government, General Than Shwe, has indicated a willingness to work with opposition groups, but said there would be no quick return to democracy.

He did not criticise the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, or her National League for Democracy party, in what correspondents say was a conciliatory tone in a speech marking Armed Forces Day. Talks between the government and the National League for Democracy began in October, but both sides have agreed not to discuss the outcome.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service