RANGOON, Burma —  The U.N. secretary-general says Burma's junta chief has rejected his initial request to see jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ban Ki-moon says he told Burma's Senior Gen. Than Shwe during two-hour talks Friday that he wanted to meet directly with Suu Kyi.

Than Shwe's initial response was that Suu Kyi is currently on trial, Ban told reporters after the talks.

Ban said, however, he stressed the importance of his request and is waiting for a reply.

The U.N. chief is on what he calls a "tough mission" to press the junta to release Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in the country.

Suu Kyi is on trial for violating her lengthy house arrest and could face five years in prison in a trial that has sparked global outrage.