The U.N. envoy to Burma has put a positive spin on his recent trip to Burma, where he says the situation is improving. Ibrahim Gambari told the U.N. Security Council Tuesday the junta’s crackdown has eased since a mass uprising broke out in September. But he urged the junta to end the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ibrahim Gambari: “I have stressed to the government that the best way to make real commitment to dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is to release her without delay so that she can become a full partner in the dialogue that we all envisage.”