Ban fails to meet Aung San Suu Kyi

The head of the United Nations has admitted his deep disappointment at his failure to meet Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was made to wait overnight for a decision, but eventually the military junta refused permission.

“I urged them to stop the prosecution of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders,” said Ban. “It is a setback to the international community’s efforts to provide a helping hand to Myanmar at this time.”

Ban spent 30 minutes in talks with Myanmar’s senior leader Than Shwe which ultimately proved fruitless. Aung San is on trial for breaching the terms of her house arrest by allowing an American intruder to spend the night at her home. The Generals refused Ban’s request to meet her, saying it could affect the judicial process.