UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari has been in Burma for the past three days in an effort to mediate talks between the ruling junta and Aung San Suu Kyi, the jailed democracy activist. Junta head General Than Shwe, however, does not seem interested in even meeting with Mr. Gambari and has rejected his entreaties.
From the BBC:
Burma’s ruling generals have rejected a UN plan for three-way talks involving detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to state media.
Minister Kyaw Hsan told UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari that Burma would not accept interference in its sovereignty.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has expressed concern at the lack of progress being made with the junta. Mr Gambari arrived in Burma on Saturday for his second visit since protests in September were brutally suppressed.
On a previous visit, he held talks separately with junta head General Than Shwe and Ms Suu Kyi. Although he is expected to meet Ms Suu Kyi again before concluding his visit on Thursday, Mr Ban said there had been no further meeting with General Than.
Burma Digest has more. If Gambari must return to New York without securing a constructive meeting with General Than, it should be incumbent on the Security Council to tighten the screws until the junta feels cooperating with the a UN-led mediation process is in its best interests.