U.N.'s Ban meets with Myanmar's junta supremo

By Louis Charbonneau

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar (Reuters) - Myanmar junta supremo Than Shwe smiled briefly but gave nothing away as he listened Friday to U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon, at the start of what Ban has called a "tough mission" to promote democratic reform.

"I thank you for your invitation. I'm happy to be here and to see you are in good health since I last saw you," Ban told the 76-year-old general, wearing a khaki uniform adorned with medals.

The rare meeting with the reclusive general took place in Than Shwe's lavish Bayint Nuang Yeiktha office in Naypyidaw, the new capital hastily built in the hills of Shan Plateau in 2005.

Ban, on what he has called a "tough mission" to press the junta to release all political prisoners and hold fair and credible elections, commended the general for his contributions to peace, prosperity and democracy in the former Burma.

"I would like to help move your country forward and appreciate your commitment to moving your country forward," Ban said, offering a smile and a firm handshake to the man who has led the military regime for 17 of its 47 years in power.

Moments later, the media were ushered out of the room. Ban was expected to ask Than Shwe's permission to meet opposition leader Aung san Suu Kyi, who is on trial for breaching the terms of her house arrest.

Suu Kyi's trial was adjourned earlier Friday because of a clerical error by the court, according to her lawyer.

On arrival in Yangon, Ban said he would convey international concern about Suu Kyi's trial and press the regime to ensure next year's multi-party elections are credible and transparent.

"The genuine will of the Myanmar people should be reflected."

HIGH STAKES

The stakes are high for Ban and the risk of failure great.

Halfway through a five-year term at the helm of the United Nations, he has faced a wave of criticism from detractors who say his low-key approach to the job does not work. He is eager to prove them wrong, U.N. diplomats say.

Ban made clear he was under no illusions about how difficult it would be to persuade the military junta to free prisoners and take concrete steps toward democracy ahead of the elections.

"I'll do my best (but) I do not believe my visit should be a make-or-break event... This will be a very difficult mission," he told reporters in Singapore earlier Friday.

He said he would also press Than Shwe and Prime Minister Thein Sein to engage in "meaningful and credible dialogue" with Suu Kyi and the opposition.