US envoy urges Burma 'transition'

Zalmay Khalilzad said the military would still have a role to play

Burma's ruling generals need to prepare for a transition of power involving opposition activists and international mediators, the US envoy to the UN says.

Zalmay Khalilzad called on the military regime to begin talks with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

He was speaking as the UN debated a statement "strongly deploring" the recent crackdown on peaceful protests.

At least 10 people were killed and thousands detained after an uprising led by Buddhist monks last month.

Mr Khalilzad said UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who recently met senior figures during a four-day visit to Burma, should return to the country very soon to assist in talks.

"We believe it's very important... that there be negotiations for a transition and that we need to start preparing ourselves with regard to a transition in Burma," he told reporters.

"It's very important that a serious dialogue on transition begins and that the international community, regional players, play their roles."

There would still be a role for Burma's military, as a national institution, within this transition, he said.