Myanmar says top general will not run in elections

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HANOI, Oct 28 (AP): Myanmar said its top leader will not run in next month's elections as it presented a new image to the world at a regional summit, while the UN chief warned, in an interview that the vote may lack legitimacy if the country's junta does not release political prisoners.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told The news agency on Thursday that even though the freed dissidents will not be able to participate in the November 7 elections, their release would at least create a "perception that this election will be more inclusive."
He gave the interview before flying to Hanoi where he will meet with Myanmar Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein on the sidelines of an annual regional summit.
Although Thein Sein represents his country at international events, he takes his orders from junta leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe. For the first time, the reclusive government confirmed that Than Shwe would not be participating in the national polls, according to diplomats at the Hanoi conference