Burma's military denies UN request to meet with pro democracy leader

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Ban Ki-moon acknowledges he is on a difficult mission in Burma. [ABC]

Last Updated: Sat, 4 Jul 2009 14:47:00 +1000

Burma's military junta has rejected the UN Secretary General's request for a meeting with pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ban Ki-moon has told reporters after a 30 minute meeting with the head of Burma's military government, Than Shwe he is deeply disappointed he can't meet with Ms Suu Kyu.

Mr Ban says Than Shwe's reason for the denial was because Ms Suu Kyi was on trial and he did not want to interfere with the judicial process.

Mr Ban is on a two day visit to Burma.

Ms Suu Kyi is currently on trial for breaching a security law, which critics say is an attempt by the generals to keep her out of multi-party elections to be held next year.