Meeting for Suu Kyi raises hopes

Suu Kyi, who was told of the meeting only on Sunday, talked for just over an hour with labour minister Aung Kyi in what was the first known contact between the 66-year-old and a member of the new, nominally civilian government.

In a joint statement, both parties said they were positive and satisfied with the meeting, in which they had discussed issues that would be of benefit to Burma's people.

Suu Kyi, the figurehead of the fight against military dictatorship in Burma, already knew Aung Kyi, having met him on nine occasions since 2007 while she was in detention and he was a minister liaising between her and the junta.

Aung Kyi dismissed suggestions those meetings were a waste of time and said he hoped for further dialogue.

"There were some benefits from previous meetings and we expect better results from these talks," he said. "You can say this meeting is the first step of a series of things on which we intend to co-operate further."

With Suu Kyi beside him, Aung Kyi read a joint statement to the media. "Discussions were focused on possibilities for co-operating in the interests of the people," he said. "This included the rule of law and overcoming disunity, and matters that will benefit the public."

Diplomats welcomed the meeting but said a lot hinged on the two parties ensuring talks did not break down.

"We hope to see some good results out of this," said an Asian diplomat. "Otherwise, the situation will be back to square one."

A new government took office in April, ending 49 years of direct military rule over the former British colony. Since her release from seven years of house arrest last November, Suu Kyi has made repeated calls for dialogue with the new rulers.

Nyan Win, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi's active but officially disbanded party, said the political climate had changed and the government's invitation to Suu Kyi indicated some progress.