UN call for faster Burma reform

Mr Ban said the military regime needed to show more progress in improving the human rights situation in the country.

He also called for detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be given a greater say in political reforms and the running of the country.

Mr Ban's comments follow a crackdown on political opposition in Burma in which the UN says at least 31 people died.

"I know the international community is very much impatient, and our patience is running out," Mr Ban told a press conference in Bangkok.

"The people of Myanmar have suffered from isolation for such a long time and it's high time now that the Myanmar authorities and the people... enjoy democracy and freedom."

'Politically unsustainable'

Burma has appointed a liaison to hold meetings with Ms Suu Kyi in an attempt to stem international criticism.

But Mr Ban said there had been little progress from the meetings.

"I urge Myanmar's leadership to be more pro-active in realising democratisation while fully protecting human rights and allowing Madame Aung San Suu Kyi to be engaged in a dialogue with the senior level in the leadership in Myanmar," he said.

"I would like to emphasise that return to the status quo ante is not acceptable and politically unsustainable," he said.

A UN report released on Friday said that 31 people were killed and 74 are missing in the crackdown which followed pro-democracy protests in September.

Burma's ruling junta says the total is much lower.