Oct 2, 2007 (DVB)-United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari has closed his visit to Burma with a meeting with Burmese junta leader senior general Than Shwe in the Burmese capital Naypyidaw, according to a UN statement.

Gambari had remained in Burma following meetings with Burmese government officials and detained National League for Democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope of meeting the junta leader.

The outcome of Gambari’s discussions with Than Shwe has not been disclosed, but the UN Secretary General’s Deputy Spokesperson said Gambari was to call on Burmese authorities to cease violent crackdowns on protestors, release those detained and move towards "democratic reform, human rights and national reconciliation".

The Special Envoy also met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for a second time before his departure.

Gambari will report his findings to the UN Secretary General on his return to New York.

Reporting by DVB