UN troubleshooter ends two-day visit to Myanmar

UN troubleshooter Ibrahim Gambari flew out of military-ruled Myanmar yesterday, following a two-day visit aimed at paving the way for a trip by UN chief Ban Ki-moon early next month.

The Nigerian diplomat met twice with Foreign Minister Nyan Win in the junta's remote administrative capital Naypyidaw before holding talks with Singapore's ambassador and UN staff in the main city Yangon, officials said.

State media confirmed the focus of the meetings was on the UN secretary general's forthcoming visit in early July, which is expected to focus on the ongoing trial of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"Mr Gambari met with Nyan Win on 26th and 27th (June). They discussed Mr Ban Ki-Moon's visit to Myanmar," state television reported.

But the UN special envoy to Myanmar did not meet Aung San Suu Kyi himself before flying out of the country on an evening Thai Airways flight.