Burma's military government has delayed an expected visit by an envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, saying it is too busy relocating its capital.
The ruling junta agreed during an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in December to receive Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar to discuss Rangoon's slow progress on democratic reforms.
Although no date had been set for the visit, Mr. Syed Hamid said he hoped the visit would take place this month.
However, Burma's Foreign Minister Nyan Win said late Friday the envoy would not be received in January because the government is busy moving to its new capital in Pyinmana, about 320 kilometers north of Rangoon.
The foreign minister said no date has been set for the visit.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and Reuters.