Suu Kyi likely to be released in a few days

United Nations envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail, who made a four-day visit to Myanmar last week, hinted in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that Suu Kyi’s release could be imminent.

The release of the 56-year-old Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, is one of the top demands of the international community. She has been kept confined to her lakeside Yangon residence, with her telephone line cut, since September 2000.

A source close to the ruling junta said that the government was set to announce both the release of Suu Kyi and a deal under which she would co-operate with the military in administering humanitarian work in fields such as health and education.

‘‘It will be more than the release of Suu Kyi and some other political prisoners. It will be a breathrough in Myanmar politics,’’ the source said.

Razali Ismail, the United Nations’ special envoy to Myanmar, ended a four-day visit to the country on Friday saying he expected a breakthrough soon in the peace process. On Tuesday, Razali told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that the expected major announcement could include the release of political prisoners or further freedom for political activities.

‘‘The one that everyone expects is the release of Aung San Suu Kyi,’’ the Malaysian diplomat said. ‘‘Be patient. I think something big will happen.’’

Myanmar Labour Minister Tin Win told a news conference at the weekend that the government would make a major announcement ‘‘in a few days’’. Asked what progress had been achieved in the talks, he said: ‘‘Just wait and see.’’

Witnesses said a team of municipal workers were cleaning the road outside Suu Kyi’s residence on Tuesday morning.