(AFP)
Updated: 2007-09-30 10:38

YANGON - A UN special envoy arrived in Myanmar on Saturday for talks with the government.

Myanmar soldiers patroling the streets to block the way to protestors in Yangon. A UN special envoy has arrived in Myanmar for talks with the government. [AFP]

UN chief Ban Ki-moon dispatched the Nigerian-born Gambari to broker negotiations between the government and its opponents, who have mounted two weeks of nationwide mass rallies.

At Bogyoke Aung San market, a major tourist destination also known as Scott's Market, warning shots were fired to disperse about 500 anti-government demonstrators, and an unknown number were arrested, witnesses said.

Nearby at the Pansoedan bridge, another 100 protesters gathered, but when they started to clap their hands, a squad of about 50 security forces dispersed them and arrested about five, witnesses said.

However, in the central city of Pakokku, witnesses said that Buddhist monks led thousands of protesters on Saturday in a peaceful two-hour march which appeared to have been mounted with the approval of local authorities.

"About 1,000 monks led the protest, and they were followed by more people on bicycles and motorbikes," said a witness.

The recent wave of protests has been Myanmar's biggest since an uprising in 1988.

The UN's Gambari said en route to Myanmar that he was looking forward to "a very fruitful visit" and expected to "meet all the people that I need to meet."

After arriving in Yangon he flew straight to the new capital of Naypyidaw where he was expected to meet with government leader Senior General Than Shwe.

Gambari has visited Myanmar twice before.