Former UN chief's team to travel to Maungdaw, which has been under lockdown since the military launched a sweep of the territory after militant attacks on 9 October.

While parliament’s vote for a civilian president is greeted with optimism, the appointment of a junta-era figure to first vice-president concerns many.

Burma’s government remains “in denial” about alleged atrocities by its military against minority Rohingya Muslims, officials present at a meeting in Bangladesh said, despite leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s pledge to investigate the findings of a devastating UN report.

The top United Nations human rights official said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi promised on Friday to investigate UN allegations of atrocities against Rohingya Muslims.

A joint-statement signed by the parties blamed Suu Kyi’s government, accusing it of incompetence.

Burma commemorates its most solemn anniversary with ceremonies around the country.