Suu Kyi reported optimistic on talks

YANGON, Myanmar, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with supporters after three years of house arrest and voiced optimism on reconciliation with military rulers.

Speaking to reporters at the headquarters of the National League of Democracy in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, spokesman Nyan Win said Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest, says she believes the military junta has the will to achieve reconciliation, Kyodo news service reported.

Suu Kyi was allowed Friday to hold talks with her party leaders and meet the liaison minister for the military leadership. Her 75-minute long talks with party leaders were intended to consider issues the party will raise during talks with the junta, the report said.

The military government has said its leader, Gen. Than Shwe, would meet Suu Kyi if she gives up her confrontational approach.

Her party spokesman quoted Suu Kyi as saying the release of political prisoners would be an essential part of the healing process. She was referring to those taken prisoner by the junta during its brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in September.

In London, the representative of Suu Kyi's party told the BBC he believed the generals in Myanmar are willing to start a dialogue, but added, "They are very manipulative, and very difficult to deal with."