Burma's military rulers have appointed an official to liaise with detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in an apparent concession to the UN.

Aung Kyi, a retired general serving as deputy labour minister, would 'continue relations [with her] in the future', state TV said.

The appointment was intended to achieve 'smooth relations' with the detained leader, a state daily said on Tuesday.

A UN envoy visiting after September's bloody crackdown suggested the move.