The Burmese ambassador to the United Nations says Myanmar's military regime is willing to grant an amnesty to a number of political prisoners so that they can take part in next year's elections. He failed to say how many prisoners might be affected and whether they would include opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

His comments came during a Security Council session in which UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported on his visit to Myanmar earlier this month. While in the country, Mr Ban urged the junta to release political prisoners, but his request to meet Ms Suu Kyi was refused.

photo: Pro-Suu Kyi protest in London (EPA)