The members of the New York-based UN Security Council were forced to draw the conclusion that there were no visible signs of progress in Myanmar, also known as Burma. After speaking to UN special envoy to Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari, they stated the pace of introducing political reforms in the country was too slow.

The Nigerian diplomat recently called on Myanmar's junta to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, as well as to let free all the other political prisoners. He asked Myanmar's neighbouring countries to support his demands.

But words are not enough, he reminded them: "I want that general expression of support to be translated into concrete action."

Since the brutal suppression of protests in September, Gambari has visited Myanmar twice, as part of his attempts to mediate between the junta and Aung San Suu Kyi.

The junta has also named a liaison officer, Deputy Labour Minister Aung Kyi, a retired major general, to negotiate with the opposition. Aung Kyi and Aung San Suu Kyi have already met four times but details of their talks have not been disclosed.

Tense political situation

Myanmar's political situation remains tense. Some regime opponents are still on the run, others in constant fear of arrest.

In a report published in mid-December, the United Nations stated 31 people had died when the protests were suppressed. The Myanmar government has only admitted that half that number died.

UN human rights envoy Paulo Pinheiro, who was allowed to re-enter the country for the first time in four years in November, added that 600 people remained under arrest.

Serious doubts

Analysts doubt the regime is serious about promoting national reconciliation. Aung So, from the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma who is in exile in Thailand, does not trust the generals.

"Only after the Saffron Revolution of September did the government agree to some form of dialogue but it is trying to delay the democratisation process. It will try to deceive Mr Gambari and Mr Pinheiro," So said.

Aung So and other critics say the generals will only open the door as far as they have to. They will also decide on whether Ibrahim Gambari, is re-invited to Myanmar -- he wanted to go there this month.

"They have sent word that it's not convenient and they will prefer to meet mid-April," Gambari told the UN Security Council, saying this was not acceptable. "We are in the process of negotiating an early, rather than a later return to Myanmar."

Gambari has also announced he would travel to India and China to conduct further talks. China is closely linked to the Myanmar generals and has most chance of exercising influence on them.