United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon and Japanese prime minister Taro Aso met in Tokyo to discuss regional problems in Asia. At the forefront of the talks were the condition of one high profile Burmese dissident.

The two leaders met ahead of Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Burma later in the week.

The talks today centered on North Korea and the pending trial of jailed Burmese dissident Aung San Suu Kyi and the situation in Burma.

The military junta that has ruled Burma since 1962 has put Suu Kyi on trial again.

Her trial is expected to resume on July 3, the day Ban arrives in the country.

[Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary General]:
"I discussed Myanmar with the prime minister on how to advance our common course through my visit later this week. I expressed my appreciation for Japan's support for my efforts and count on Japan's continuing help as a leading member of the friends' group."

Western governments have dismissed Suu Kyi's prosecution as a show trial intended to keep her out of multi-party elections planned for next year.