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Junta Says It's Working On Reforms

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By AYE AYE WIN, The Associated Press

Published: November 11, 2007

YANGON, Myanmar - Detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi received rare front-page billing Saturday in Myanmar's state-controlled press, which said the ruling military junta was "putting energy" into democratic reforms demanded by the international community.

Suu Kyi, under house arrest, was allowed to meet leaders of her opposition party Friday for the first time in more than three years and told them she believes the generals intend to work toward democracy.

The junta, which came under renewed international pressure after it crushed pro-democracy demonstrations led by Buddhist monks in September, allowed the meeting after the latest in a series of visits by U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari.

Outside observers said they were doubtful the meeting was a real sign of change.

"This meeting was conducted in a government-controlled guesthouse, which in all likelihood was bugged by Burmese intelligence services, inhibiting open discussion," Human Rights Watch said in a statement Saturday.

The group added the generals had "yet to release political prisoners and protesters, end military rule or even hold serious discussion with the political opposition."

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