UN official to push Burma reform

Mr Gambari last visited Burma in May

UN official Ibrahim Gambari has arrived in Burma to press the military rulers to commit to democratic reforms.

During his four-day trip, he will meet military leader Than Shwe as well as opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently under house arrest.

The international community is piling pressure on Burma to make serious changes to its harsh regime.

But so far there has been been little indication that the ruling generals are willing to co-operate.

Mr Gambari last visited Burma in May, when he was given the rare opportunity of meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained democracy leader who is seen as a symbol of resistance to Burma's ruling military junta.

It was the first time in more than two years that a foreigner had been allowed to meet her, and the visit fuelled hopes that she would soon be released, and that the military might finally make some concessions to international demands.

But almost as soon as Mr Gambari left the country, such hopes were dashed.

Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest

The government extended Aung San Suu Kyi's detention for another year, and continued to clamp down on her National League for Democracy Party (NLD) and other groups protesting against the regime.

A group of protesters were jailed only recently for compiling a petition against the government, to coincide with the re-opening of the country's national convention.

The convention, made up of delegates selected by the military junta from across the country, has been touted by the government as a forum in which to discuss Burma's future.

But the convention has been widely criticised as a tool for legitimising the military's hold on power, and the NLD has boycotted the proceedings.

Losing patience

The international community is gradually losing patience with Burma's lack of progress towards democracy, as well as the many allegations of human rights abuse.

The United Nations Security Council tabled discussions on Burma in September, and the US wants the council to draft a resolution on the issue as soon as possible.

By allowing Mr Gambari to visit a second time, the Burmese generals could be preparing to offer some form of concession to their foreign detractors.

But the international community wants nothing less than a solid commitment to democratic reforms - and that is something the military seems extremely reluctant to give.