The United Nations special envoy, Alvaro de Soto, who's visiting Burma, has metthe foreign minister, Ohn Gyaw in the captal, Rangoon.

Mr De Soto is also expected to meet the head of the military government, General Than Shwe and the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Analysts say that since Burma joined the regional grouping, ASEAN, a year ago, the UN has been trying to play a more active role in encouraging Burma's generals to talk to Miss Suu Kyi.

According to UN sources, Mr De Soto has concrete proposals to discuss with both sides.