Burma's Democracy Urges Unity

[RANGOONP@xxxxxxx]

 .c The Associated Press  

RANGOON, Burma (AP) - Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi today urged the
largest gathering of Burma's democratic opposition in years to resist
attempts by the military government to divide them. 

``Unity and courage are essential for achieving democracy,'' Suu Kyi said.
``Anyone who tries to disrupt the unity of the party or harm the democratic
movement should know that the party disciplinary committee will take action
against them.'' 

Her 10-minute speech was punctuated frequently by applause from the 745
National League for Democracy delegates who gathered at her home. It was the
first party congress the military government has officially allowed since her
release from six years of house arrest in July 1995. 

Previous attempts to hold party congresses were met with mass arrests. 

In a goodwill gesture, the military government granted permission Friday for
the congress to take place with a limit of 300 participants. 

But police let inside more than twice that number as the delegates, clad in
their trademark peach-colored collarless jackets and green and black sarongs,
approached the barricades near Suu Kyi's home today. 

Police turned away dozens, however, saying their names were not on the list
of those invited. 

Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has not spoken in public since
the military blockaded her home in September 1996 to stop her weekend
addresses to as many as 10,000 people. 

Two weeks ago, Gen. Khin Nyunt, one of the four most powerful generals in the
government, offered to meet with party Chairman Aung Shwe to discuss their
differences, only to have the party turn him down. 

While many observers praised the government for attempting to initiate talks,
Suu Kyi and many party members believe the regime was trying to engineer a
split in their leadership. 

The general refuses to meet with either Suu Kyi or vice-chairmen Tin Oo or
Kyi Maung, who enjoy the most public support. 

``Elements are trying to cause disunity among us,'' said Tin Oo, who once
served as defense minister and head of the army. ``We must be aware. We must
be united.'' 

A 24-point party statement said the government was trying to ``obstruct Aung
San Suu Kyi's participation in the dialogue. They are trying to split the
unity of the NLD.'' 

It urged the regime not to engage in ``personal grudges.'' 

Suu Kyi and others reiterated that the party's main task is to bring about
talks with the military government aimed at restoring democracy to Burma. She
has been calling for a dialogue since she was released from house arrest. 

The congress honored the ninth anniversary of the party's founding in the
midst of a nationwide democracy uprising in 1988. 

Although riot police were on duty near Suu Kyi's home, they kept a low
profile, mostly staying inside the grounds of nearby pagodas.