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SCMP-Regime in sick-bed ploy



Friday March 19 1999

Burma
Regime in sick-bed ploy

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE in Rangoon
The ruling junta said yesterday it was reluctant to let Aung San Suu Kyi's
cancer-stricken husband visit her, but tried to goad the Nobel laureate into
flying to his sick-bed despite fears she would be barred from returning.
A visa application from Michael Aris, who is reportedly seriously ill after
prostrate cancer spread to his spine and lungs, was under consideration, a
government statement said.
However, authorities were "surprised" Mr Aris, a British academic, wanted to
visit Burma in his grave condition.
"To undertake a trip to Burma under such conditions would appear
irresponsible and inhumane, and the Government is reluctant to encourage or
endorse such an action," said the statement. "As a more sensible
alternative, the Government suggests that Ms Suu Kyi, who is in perfect
health, travel to England to respond to her husband's dying wish to see
her."
However, sources said the opposition leader was very unlikely to seek
permission to travel to Britain.
They said she feared that her bitter political struggle with Burma's
military rulers would mean she would be barred from returning to the
country.
Ms Aung San Suu Kyi remained "dedicated" to the cause of democracy and would
not risk being kept out of Burma, the sources said.
Mr Aris is reported to be close to death. Britain, Australia and Japan have
asked Rangoon to grant him a visa on humanitarian grounds.