UN Secretary General Kofi Annan says the United Nations is ready to offer whatever assistance it can to Burma's ruling military junta to help restore democracy to the country.
Speaking in New Delhi- Mr. Annan says he met with Burma's military leader, General Than Shwe, in Jakarta last week and urged him to open up the country and allow detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition National League for Democracy and the citizens of Burma to play a political role.
He also urged the junta to allow the UN special envoy for Burma, Razali Ismail, free access to the country. Mr. Razali has not been allowed into Burma for more than a year.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.
