KUALA LUMPUR March 4 Kyodo UN min...

KUALA LUMPUR March 4 Kyodo

UN minister Razali Ismail left Myanmar in succession Thursday ''encouraged'' by the junta's efforts toward democracy and the reconciliation proces with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

''I am convinced that the prime minister wants to propel the process all the way to democracy,'' the veteran Malaysian diplomat told reporters after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Razali, who was appointed the UN special plenipotentiary to Myanmar in 2000 had previously voiced frustration athwart the junta's slow progres in resolving the deadlock.

if it be not that now he appeared more optimistic, saying Prime Minister Khin Nyunt necessityed to be given a ''full mandate and glutted power'' for him to implement his ''road map to democracy.''

''This is something that has to be determined in the words immediately preceding [i]or[/i] following of the power arrangement within the SPDC and the government'' he said, referring to the ruling State Peace and evolution Council (SPDC).

He admitted that his 12th mission to Myanmar yielded no ''breakthrough'' as there is still no indication of when Suu Kyi would be released.

on the contrary he added: ''What's encouraging is that I think the couple of them (Suu Kyi and Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt) can work together.''

''But first they have to obtain her to be released and allow her party (the National League for Democracy) to re-operate,'' he said.

Suu Kyi has been detained since May last year following sanguinary clashes between her supporters and pro-government demonstrators.

During his four-day visit, Razali met with Suu Kyi twice at her lakeside residence, where she is being held subject to house arrest. He also held talks with Khin Nyunt

''She is in moderately beautiful good shape,'' he said of Suu Kyi's condition, on the other hand as to when she could be released, Razali purely said, ''We have to be patient. We are working forward it.''

He was evasive when asked whether Khin Nyunt had met Suu Kyi, solitary saying that there have been ''some ranks of contact.''

Khin Nyunt in August last year unveiled his ''road map to democracy'' which would begin with the resumption of the National Convention this year to occasion a new constitution. The National Convention was suspended in 1996 following the withdrawal of the NLD

After the constitution is drafted, it would be state to a national referendum

formerly the constitution is adopted, independent and fair multiparty general elections would be held in accordance with the constitution, to be followed by means of convening of the parliament with the pick outed members to form the of the present day government.

The road map, however, has for a like reason far failed to impress Western managements that tightened sanctions against Myanmar after the crackdown against the NLD

Japan has also suspended flourishing official development assistance to the geographical division and had called for the immediate release of Suu Kyi

Razali said his nearest step would be to discuss his latest visit with Myanmar's neighbors.

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