U.N. Envoy Ends Visit To Burma
By Alisha Ryu
Hong Kong
09 January 2001

The former Malaysian diplomat left Burma Tuesday saying he was "satisfied" with his visit. But he gave no details about his meetings with Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi or with Khin Nyunt, a leader in the ruling military junta. It was Mr. Razali's third visit since he was appointed U.N. envoy to Burma in April. The visits are aimed at improving Burma's human rights record and promoting a return to democracy.

During their second meeting in three days Monday, Mr. Razali spent more than two hours with Aung San Suu Kyi in her Rangoon home where she has been under months of virtual house arrest since September 22. The leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party was arrested that day for defying authorities by attempting to travel outside of the capital to join her political supporters.

The NLD won a landslide victory in national elections in 1990, but the military rulers have refused to hand over power. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for six years until 1995. Hundreds of her supporters have reportedly been jailed.

For her efforts to bring democracy to Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1991.