Mizzima News

Chiang Mai (mizzima) - Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General arrived in Rangoon International airport at 9:30 a.m. (local time), on Friday on a two-day visit to military-ruled Burma in a bid to persuade the regime to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ban is putting up at Sedona Hotel in the country’s former capital Rangoon, and will leave for Naypyitaw at about 11 a.m. (local time) to meet junta’s military supremo Senior General Than Shwe.

Ban, prior to arriving in Rangoon, told journalists in Singapore that he will persuade the military leaders to release detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, currently facing trial on charges of flouting her detention terms.

Following the meeting with Than Shwe, Ban will also be meeting a number of political party leaders and will later meet Prime Minister Thein Sein, who will host dinner.

So far there is no word on Ban meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, but sources said it will largely depend on Than Shwe’s mood.

Tomorrow, the world body leader will visit Kyonda village in the Cyclone Nargis devastated Irrawaddy delta. He will later be briefed by the junta’s Information Minister Kyaw San in Rangoon.

Ban has gone on record as saying he will also persuade the Generals to engage in a meaningful and credible dialogue with detained Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and opposition groups.

But at the same time Ban has acknowledged that his mission is difficult and has hinted at the possibilities of his failure to persuade the Generals.

“I’m visiting Myanmar [Burma] with certain uncertainties,” reports quoted Ban as telling reporters in Singapore.

“We must try our best to bring changes. I’ll do my best [but] I do not believe my visit should be a make-or-break event ... This will be a very difficult mission,” he added.