The head of Burma's ruling junta says the country is moving toward a new, democratic order, but he has given no indication of when the military will give up its power.

Addressing more than 7,000 troops Sunday on Armed Forces Day, General Than Shwe insisted that Burma's political reforms have gained acceptance, not only from neighbors and nations within the region, but "among all positive-thinking countries."

In contrast to the positive comments, Burma's delay in implementing democratic reforms has caused frustration among some fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Reports from Kuala Lumpur last week said the Malaysian government is considering a proposal to deny Burma the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006.