REMARKS TO THE MEDIA [including Q&A], Bangkok, 4 July 2009: "Good evening. Thank you for coming to meet me at this late hour of the day. As you know, I have just come from a two-day visit to Myanmar. I met twice the Senior General Than Shwe, and I had discussions with other government officials. I also met with leaders of Myanmar?s registered political parties and with those former armed groups that have chosen to observe a cease-fire. This morning I also had time to visit Kyon Da Village in the Irrawaddy Delta to see the results of recovery and reconstruction work. Let me first address my meetings with Senior General Than Shwe. As you know by now, I asked to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I am deeply disappointed that Senior General Than Shwe refused my request. Allowing a visit to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would have been an important symbol of the government?s willingness to embark on the kind of meaningful engagement that will be essential if the elections in 2010 are to be seen as credible..."