The envoy, Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win, met with Annan at U.N. headquarters as part of a drive by the Yangon government to counter global criticism of its detention of Suu Kyi, 58, who was arrested on May 30 and has since been held in an undisclosed location.

Annan said he gave the envoy a message for junta leader Than Shwe, "telling him that I would expect them to release Aung San Suu Kyi as soon as possible, and that they are responsible for (her) protection and safety."

"I also indicated that really the best way to move forward is to resume dialogue," Annan told reporters, adding that Suu Kyi had already indicated she was prepared to resume negotiations with the government.

The envoy, in turn, delivered a message from his government seeking to explain its detention of Suu Kyi, Annan said.

The United Nations has pushed hard for national reconciliation and a shift to democracy in Myanmar.

But its military rulers have accused international governments of meddling in its internal affairs and have warned of instability if Western-style democracy was imposed.

Speaking ahead of his meeting with the envoy, Annan said some governments were "becoming quite exercised" by the continued detention of Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate who was once again taken into custody following a clash between supporters and pro-government groups during a tour outside the capital.

The US Congress on Wednesday cleared legislation closing the US market to imports from Myanmar, sending the measure to the desk of President Bush for his signature.

But Annan said it was premature to talk about Security Council sanctions on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. "This is not an item on the council's agenda," he said.

Diplomats said the United States would like Security Council action but China and Mexico, among others, are wary.