Aug 20, 2008 (DVB), United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari is expected to meet detained National League for Democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi today, according to diplomatic sources in Rangoon.
Gambari is also expected to meet other NLD members and representatives of ethnic nationality groups, as well as various other pro-government and opposition organisations, the sources said.
AFP reported that Gambari travelled to the cyclone-hit Irrawaddy delta yesterday and was due to meet information minister brigadier general Kyaw Hsan this evening today.
Pro-democracy groups have criticised Gambari for a lack of tangible success in his efforts to date to bring about political dialogue in Burma, and political activists have said they do not hold high hopes for the special envoy's current visit.
But veteran politician Thakhin Thein Maung said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi being allowed to meet her lawyer and family doctor was a positive sign.
He said the likelihood of genuine dialogue depended on the effectiveness of popular movements and called for more effort in this area.
"The public movement is essential in making dialogue happen," Thakhin Thein Maung said.
"If the public movement can intensify in the future, it could hopefully become quite effective," he said.
Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet
