UN envoy calls for release of Suu Kyi

Burma's ruling military junta must release detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi if it is serious about making the democratic reforms demanded by the international community, a UN envoy said.

Ibrahim Gambari, made his comments at the end of a two-day visit to Cambodia, shortly after Burma's Prime Minister Lieutenant General Thein Sein arrived in the country.

The two did not cross paths and officials said the timing of the visits was coincidental.

Gambari said he would return to Burma next month on his third mission to nudge the junta toward reconciliation talks with the opposition.

"Now we are saying very clearly that if Aung San Suu Kyi is to become part of the solution and a partner in dialogue, then it is very essential that she should be released from detention," Gambari said.

He also urged the junta to halt its arrests of people who participated in the September protests.