United Nations special envoy for Burma Razali Ismail has been given the green light to make a five-day visit to Burma next month to again push for talks between the military government and the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to a BBC report yesterday, the envoy is expected to arrive in Rangoon o­n June 6 for what is to be his 10th visit to Burma.

When contacted, a source close to Razali said the envoy will meet with Suu Kyi and several high-ranking officials although it is uncertain if his visit would include a meeting with Burmese Prime Minister Than Shwe.

Razali's visit is likely to come as a relief to Burma watchers as little progress has been made in the reconciliation process since the release of Suu Kyi from house arrest last May.

Although the military government released over 20 political prisoners earlier this month, few attempts had been made by the junta to start a dialogue with opposition parties so as to negotiate for an eventual transition to civilian rule.

In previous interviews, Razali had expressed frustration over the slow pace of the progress while Suu Kyi too has criticised the junta for its refusal to start serious talks.

No Asean support

Meanwhile, an observer of Southeast Asian politics, Dr Chandran Jeshurun said Razali's efforts could well have met with limited successes because of a lack of open support by Asean governments.

"Mr Razali has expressed disappointment over the little backing he has received from Asean governments.

"Most governments are willing to leave things as they are as long as there is a strong government in Rangoon," he noted.

The political observer pointed out that the interest of some of the key supporters of Suu Kyi had also waned in the light of recent developments such as the Iraq war.

"The United States government is not as supportive as it used to be because Burma is not an urgent problem for them. It is a gloomy picture for Burma now, especially with the economic problems. The worse that can happen to the country has already happened."

Few concessions

Chandran also expressed pessimism over the Rangoon government's readiness for the talks, judging from the few concessions made thus far.

"When Mr Razali visits, he meets the generals o­nly for 10 minutes. They don't seem to take him seriously. How much can you achieve in such a short time? He cannot go o­n like this indefinitely.

"The Burmese government may release a few political prisoners here and there but that is not the point. The point of the visits is to push for a dialogue to start so that they can work out the shape of a national convention and put in place a time frame for it to be set up," he said.

He suggested that a way forward would perhaps be for the international community to reduce sanctions with the achievement of particular milestones in the talks facilitated by Razali.

"It is clear that the Burmese economy cannot survive without aid. There should be link between this and (the political process). Perhaps the (international community) could consider easing sanctions if some charted progress is made in the talks," he said.