Burma democracy warning

The military authorities in Burma have told leaders of the National League for Democracy to stop holding mass gatherings and to stop criticising official security, or risk ending dialogue with the country's rulers.

A governmentstatement said that the chances of dialogue leading to national reconciliation would recede further and further unless the NLD reviewed its activities.

Correspondents say the warning was an indication that the decision to allow a United Nations envoy to visit Burma next month will not be matched by greater political freedom in Burma.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service