The United Nations human rights envoy for Burma says he doubts the country will undergo the political reform necessary to achieve democracy.
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro said Monday it would be, in his words, a "miracle" if the country's leaders implement the so-called "road map" to democracy unveiled by Burma's military government last year.
Mr. Pinheiro recently told the UN General Assembly he has received credible and detailed reports of human rights violations in Burma. But he acknowledged that his assessment was limited because he has been prevented from entering the country since 2003.
The Brazilian diplomat has also called on Burma's military rulers to release Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Information for this story is provided by AP, afp, Reuters.