Burma's opposition has again called for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi before next month's Burmese constitutional convention.
The National League for Democracy says it wants the Nobel laureate and other party leaders freed from house arrest as soon as possible so they can help decide whether the party will participate in the May 17th convention.
The party says it wants all nine members of its central executive committee - including Aung San Suu Kyi - to meet on the matter.
Today's (Thursday's) statement comes one day after Burma's military government formally invited the National League for Democracy to attend the convention.
There has been speculation that Aung San Suu Kyi will be released ahead of the May 17th talks. Western governments, human rights groups and the United Nations have urged the military government to allow Aung San Suu Kyi and her party to fully participate in the drawing up of a new constitution.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and AP.