SCMP-Burma Activist refuses to budg

[hlaing@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

South China Morning Post
Monday  August 17  1998

Burma Activist refuses to budge from mini-van protest 

REUTERS in Rangoon 
Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's military rulers were locked in a war of wills
on the fifth day of a roadside stand-off yesterday.

Prevented from driving to see supporters, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and three
companions again refused to return to the capital and so remained stuck in
a mini-van on a bridge in west Burma in a bid to show the world their lack
of freedom of movement.

Photographs obtained by Reuters late on Saturday showed the grey mini-van
at the entrance to the small wooden bridge on a country road, next to a
yellow beach umbrella, white plastic table and two garden chairs - all
gifts from the Government.

The van, sliding side door open but curtains drawn, was close to a thatched
hut at what appeared to be a check-point.

The still pictures showed no sign of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, her
two drivers or senior NLD member U Hla Pe, who were stopped at the bridge
on Wednesday.

But government and NLD sources said the group was still inside the van and
refusing to budge.

Ms Aung San Suu Kyi had set out to visit Pathein township, 190km west of
Rangoon, but had reached only Anyarsu, 32km southwest of the capital, when
she was stopped.

The trip was a repeat of one that led to a six-day stand-off last month and
was forcibly ended by the military on July 29.

Diplomats say the latest stand-off is designed to focus world attention on
an NLD demand that the Government convene by August 21 a parliament of
members elected at polls in 1990.



The NLD won that election by an overwhelming margin but the result was
ignored by the military.

But the military has ignored pressure from abroad and ridiculed the NLD's
ultimatum and the group's latest roadside protest, sending them gifts and
promising "every effort to ensure their comfort and safety".

It says Ms Aung San Suu Kyi can remain in Anyarsu "as long as conditions
remain safe" but cannot be allowed to go to Pathein as this would mean
travelling in a dangerous part of the country.

The Government said yesterday it also had sent cakes and drinks for Ms Aung
San Suu Kyi and her companions.

"In addition to the amenities and entertainment provided by the Government
to Ms Suu Kyi in helping her pass the time comfortably, government
officials provided imported cakes, cookies and soft drinks this morning,"
it said.

It also was "setting up a mobile bathroom near the vehicle to ensure her
maximum comfort and welfare".