NEWS COLLECTION
(About
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, NLD and SPDC)
from
Collected by Khin Kyaw Han
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World:
Burmese Opposition Blocked
The Burmese military authorities have prevented the opposition
leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from holding a meeting with her supporters in a
township,on the outskirts of the capital,
Last week the authorities permitted her to address a similar
meeting -- a move interpreted at the time as a relaxation of the restrictions
enforced since her release from house arrest in 1995.
Officials of her party, the National League for Democracy, said
the meetings are intended to enable Aung San Suu Kyi to reorganise the party's
Youth League.
But corespondents say it's clear the military authorities aren't
prepared to let her do this.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Police in
Reports say riot police put up barricades and barbed wire around
the office the National League for Democracy in the township of Tamwe before
the meeting was due to start.
Party sources said about twenty youth members had been detained.
Aung San Suu Kyi cancelled a similar meeting in Tamwe on Tuesday,
after failing to obtain police permission for it.
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
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Burmese opposition speaks out
The opposition National League for Democracy in
A party statement said the erection of barricades by riot police
to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi from addressing a party meeting in the
The authorities denied they were restricting Aung San Suu Kyi's
movements but that the party's activities threatened the stability of the
country.
The military authorities blamed Aung San Suu Kyi for what they
described as unnecessary setbacks in
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
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World:
Burmese opposition leader kept in own home
The military government in
Party members said her car was stopped by barbed wire barricades
as she was leaving to attend the meeting just outside
Police also barred the way to senior party officials who tried to
enter the compound to see her.
A government statement said it prevented the meeting to deter, as
it put it, unnecessary disturbance of the peace.
The NLD has condemned the action as unlawful.
Correspondents say this is the third consecutive meeting between
Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her party that the military government has halted.
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
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US Denounces
The
On Friday, her car was blocked by barbed wire barricades as she
was leaving home in the capital,
A State Department spokesman described the move as the latest in a
long line of repressive measures by the Burmese military government to
marginalise the NLD.
He urged the authorities in
Earlier, the Burmese government said it prevented the meeting to
deter what it called unnecessary disturbance of the peace.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Burmese military government allows
democracy meeting
The military authorities in
In a statement, the ruling State Peace and Development Council
said the government needed the co-operation of all political parties in
Earlier this month, the Burmese military authorities prevented a
series of NLD meetings by restricting the movements of Aung San Suu Kyi and
arresting her supporters.
But correspondents say there are now signs of a struggle between
hardliners and those who favour a less hostile approach to the democracy
movement.
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
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Burmese democrats deny leader's
resignation
The military authorities in
But senior NLD officials immediately denied the report.
Its other vice-chairman, Tin Oo, called the military statement a
baseless lie, and said Kyi Maung was just taking things easier because of his
advanced age.
Correspondents say the pro-government media in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Asean urged to support Burmese
democracy
The leader of the National League for Democracy in
In a message released by a human rights group in
She said she believed the people of Asean countries wanted to see
a Burmese government that was accountable to the population.
Aung San Suu Kyi opposed
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Suu Kyi honoured by
The Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded
the freedom of the city of
In an acceptance speech read by her son, Kim Aris, she said it
felt strange that only now, when she was not in a position to be in
Her son accused the Burmese authorities of cruel and immoral
behaviour in denying him and his father visas to visit Ms Suu Kyi.
On Monday Ms Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for
Democracy in Burma, urged Asean leaders meeting in Kuala Lumpur to support
political change in her country.
In a message released by a human rights group in Bangkok,
Alternative Asean Network on Burma she said there would be no stability or
sustainable economic development without political reform.
She said she believed the people of Asean countries wanted to see
a Burmese government that was accountable to the population.
Ms Suu Kyi opposed
Three months ago the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad,
warned Asean members might boycott the meeting if
The
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Sunday, January 4, 1998 Published at
15:41 GMT
World
Plea for democracy as Burma marks anniversary
Aung San Suu Kyi lashed out at Burma's ruling generals
The leader of
Aung San Suu Kyi has appealed to
She was addressing supporters of her National League for Democracy
as
In a statement read at a ceremony before dawn, the chairman of
The vigilance was apparent in the heightened security on the
streets of the capital,
Armed policemen were placed at several strategic locations in and
security was tight outside the house of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The 600 people who arrived at the house for her annual
independence day celebration were stopped at checkpoints and forced to identify
themselves before being allowed in to her compound.
Suu Kyi, daughter of
"Although the independence of the nation has turned to a
Golden Jubilee, its situation is not as bright and beautiful even as silver -
its far from gold," she said.
"Our inability to implement unity among national races and to
create internal peace, the lack of human rights and the low standard of living
of the people and the declining economy of the country are not as beautiful as
gold."
Repeating a request she has made often since being released from
six years of house arrest in July 1995, she called for dialogue with the
government.
"The NLD will keep making efforts to solve the political
issues by holding dialogue in view of the people's interest," she said.
The military has held power since 1962,
despite an election victory by the National League for Democracy in 1990.
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UN mediates in Burmese deadlock
A senior United Nations official, Alvaro De Soto, arrives in
The BBC South-East-Asia correspondent says Mr De Soto is expected
to urge both sides to begin talks to break
Last month, the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, met the Burmese
leader, General Than Shwe, to press for free elections and improvements in
human rights.
But our correspondent says Mr De Soto will find it hard making any
progress on those issues.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Burmese government turns down reported
opposition suggestion on power sharing
The Burmese government has dismissed comments in a Thai newspaper
The Nationby opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in which she was reported to
have spoken about her party's readiness to share power.
A spokesman said the suggestion was improper and unrealistic,
adding that the present government was transitional and would be dissolved
after elections to be held at an unspecified date.
The newspaper quoted Suu Kyi as saying her party, the National
League for Democracy, was keeping all its options open and that it was
important never to say never in politics.
But the party's vice-president (Tin Oo) has denied the Thai
report.
He told Reuters news agency that the news about power sharing was
not true.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Monday, March 30, 1998 Published at
06:03 GMT 07:03 UK
World: S/W Asia
Britain 'insincere' over Burma
In the video, Aung San Suu Kyi accuses Premier Oil of acting
selfishly
Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese pro-democracy leader, has questioned
the sincerity of the UK Government's stance towards her country in remarks
criticising the role of a British oil company there.
In a video recording smuggled out of
She asked why the UK Government did not stop it.
"Premier Oil is not only supporting the military government
financially, it is also giving it moral support, and it is doing a great
disservice in the name of democracy," said Suu Kyi.
"Why is the British government pursuing one policy and
British companies pursuing another?"
'Contributing to repression'
There are some who might think that perhaps the British government
is not altogether sincere if it permits its companies to invest under the
present regime.
"Any company that is dealing with a repressive government
contributes to repression in the country.
"We are inclined to think that Premier Oil came in because
they hope to reap rich profits from coming into
Suu Kyi was placed under house restriction by the Burmese regime.
The video was released ahead of the Asia-Europe meeting in
The UK Government has proclaimed its support for an "ethical
foreign policy" and condemned the regime.
Multi-million dollar pipeline
According to reports, Premier Oil plans to help build a
multi-million dollar gas pipeline across Burmese territory into
It is reportedly one of several companies involved in the project.
The others come from the
The pipeline will run through an area where people have already
been forcibly relocated by the military, said Burma Action Group, a
British-based human rights monitoring organisation.
"
The group said refugees fleeing the area reported that relocations
have been carried out to secure a route for gas exporting facilities of an
earlier project operated by Total Oil.
The Burmese regime has been condemned internationally for human
rights abuses and for profiting from the export of illegal opium and heroin.
In September 1997, the UK Foreign
Secretary, Robin Cook, said the regime was "not only deeply repressive...
but it is also a deeply irresponsible regime in that it is one of the few
governments in the world whose members are prepared to profit out of the drugs
trade rather than to seek to suppress the drugs trade."
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Monday, 25 May, 1998,
Bunta's junta detains Suu Kyi
supporters
Reports from
The country's military rulers have already warned the National
League for Democracy to cancel the gathering because they said it would
destabilise the country.
A spokesman for the party said the detainees were regional
leaders, who had been planning to travel to
Last May, the junta prevented a similar gathering by detaining
hundreds of members of the National League for Democracy.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Wednesday, 27 May, 1998,
Several hundred supporters of the
Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, have been meeting at her home in
the capital,
The Burmese military authorities, who refused to recognise the
results of the 1990 poll, have discouraged any celebrations by the National
League for Democracy in the past.
Aung San Suu Kyi praised the decision of the authorities to allow
this year's gathering to go ahead, appealing for what she described as
meaningful political dialogue.
Extra riot police were posted around her home and some opposition
officials say many of their supporters were detained to prevent them attending
the meeting.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Wednesday, May 27, 1998 Published at
10:30 GMT 11:30 UK
World: S/W Asia
Opposition allowed to meet in Rangoon
Aung San Suu Kyi says the meeting alone is not enough
Several hundred members of the Burmese opposition party have
gathered at the home of their leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in Rangoon to
commemorate their party's short-lived election victory eight years ago.
This is the first time the ruling military, which seized power in
1988, has allowed the opposition to mark its victory, which was immediately
overturned.
The leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San
Suu Kyi, thanked the military regime for allowing her to hold the meeting, but
said it was not enough.
"It is necessary to honour the results of the 1990 elections
and hold the Parliament session as soon as possible. Let us meet the next time
in Parliament," said the winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.
She again urged the military regime to open a dialogue with the
opposition, a move which she said was unavoidable since the people of
Extra riot police have been posted around Aung San Suu Kyi's home,
where she is under house arrest following her return from exile.
Inspired by
Attempts to hold commemorations in the past have been thwarted by
the military, who detained hundreds of NLD members last May despite
international criticism.
However, commentators say the pro-democracy movement in
A leader of the NLD who is now in exile, Sein Win, says that the
opposition movement in
But the head of the BBC Burma section warns that not everybody
will know about the events in
Urged not to hold meeting
Earlier this week the government urged the NLD not to hold the
meeting in the interest of national unity, but it approved the meeting late on
Tuesday, provided certain rules and regulations were observed, which it did not
spell out.
But NLD leaders said that even this year 320 delegates have been
detained in various parts of the country to keep them from attending, and urged
their immediate release. The government has denied this.
Although the NLD won elections in May 1990, the result was
overturned by the military, and many opposition MPs at the time were
imprisoned.
Burmese exile groups say the NLD has been decimated since it
captured 392 of the 485 seats in the 1990 polls. They say a quarter of the
victors have been imprisoned or exiled, and two have died in prison.
According to the human rights group, Amnesty International, scores
of political activists have been arrested since the beginning of the year,
joining hundreds of others in prison.
Aung San Suu Kyi herself has been under house arrest or close
confinement for most of the last nine years. Her activities are tightly curbed
by the military.
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World:
Burmese supporters denied visit to Aung San Suu Kyi
Reports from
Sources in
Scuffles broke out with police, resuting in some minor injuries.
The Burmese military authorities confirmed the incident, but
denied that anyone was hurt.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Saturday, July 4, 1998 Published at
12:31 GMT 13:31 UK
World: South Asia
Burma places restrictions on pro-democracy politicians
The military authorities in Burma say they have placed
restrictions on members of the National League for Democracy led by Aung San
Suu Kyi in what they describe as an effort to avoid confrontation.
A statement by a senior government official said the requirement
for individuals to report to local authorities had been imposed to avoid what
he called a head-on collision between the League and the government.
The measures are reported to apply to NLD members elected in l990
to a parliament that has yet to be convened.
The statement did not confirm or deny allegations made by exiled
students on Thursday, that more than forty NLD supportesrs had been arrested.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Tuesday, July 7, 1998 Published at
20:29 GMT 21:29 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
US slams Burmese authorities
The United States has criticised the military government in Burma
for preventing the leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, Aung
San Suu Kyi, from travelling outside of the capital, Rangoon.
The authorities said they stopped her and other party members from
leaving
A US State Department spokesman, said
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Wednesday, July 8, 1998 Published at
15:26 GMT 16:26 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma warns foreign governments over comments
In the wake of an all-night confrontation between Burmese police
and the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, the military authorities have
criticised foreign governments.
They said comments about the political situation in
Aung San Suu Kyi and the chairman of her National League for
Democracy, Aung Shwe, spent the night in their car eighty kilometres north of
the capital,
One official was later allowed to see them at the scene.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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World: Asia-Pacific
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi
The BBC's Patrick Walker reports:
As
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, paid respects at the
tomb of her father, General Aung San, who was assassinated 51 years ago on
Sunday.
He is regarded as the architect of
Aung San Suu Kyi was accompanied to the mausoleum by Colonel Than
Tun, a senior government intelligence officer who has acted as her liaison since
her release from house arrest three years ago.
Her transportation was arranged by the military junta which had
recently warned opposition groups against fuelling rumours there would be
unrest.
Political tensions have escalated amid a series of politically
sensitive anniversaries this summer, including the 10th commemoration of the
1988 student protests which were crushed by the military.
Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, the National League for
Democracy also marked the day with a private ceremony.
About 500 guests, including party members and foreign diplomats
gathered at the pro-democracy leader's lakeside residence for the
commemoration.
Security arrangements were more relaxed
than normal and there were no reports of disturbances.
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Monday, July 20, 1998 Published at 12:22 GMT 13:22 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese stop NLD leader again
The military government in Burma says that for the second time
this month, it has stopped the leader of the National League for Democracy,
Aung San Suu Kyi, from travelling outside the capital, Rangoon, to meet party
officials.
A government statement said Aung San Suu Kyi was stopped with a
fellow party member and two drivers about thirty kilometres south of
It said Aung San Suu Kyi later returned to
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Saturday, July 25, 1998 Published at
05:36 GMT 06:36 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma stops NLD leader again
The military government in Burma has confirmed that the opposition
leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was blocked yesterday on Friday while trying to leave
the capital, Rangoon, by car to visit party supporters.
In a statement, it accused her and her party, the National League
for Democracy, of trying to use the incident to discredit the government by
informing foreign diplomats and journalists.
It was the third time in less than three weeks that Aung San Suu
Kyi had been prevented from travelling outside
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Sunday, July 26, 1998 Published at
14:42 GMT 15:42 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader trapped in car
Aung San Suu Kyi: Not the first time she has been stopped
The Burmese democracy movement says its leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, remains stuck in her car on a road near the capital, Rangoon, three days
after being stopped at a roadblock by security forces.
A senior figure in her National League for Democracy party, Tin
Oo, said the security forces had now moved her car from the main highway west
of the capital to a side road, and blocked it in with police vehicles.
Aung San Suu Kyi, a colleague and two drivers have been stuck
since Friday morning, when they were prevented from heading to Bassein for a
meeting with party supporters.
She was intending to tell party members not to obey a military
order to report to the authorities twice a day under the "Habitual
Offenders Act," a law reserved for those considered heinous criminals by
the government.
Her party members say she has been surrounded by soldiers,
sandbags and barbed wire barricades to prevent her from driving on.
Government statement
The government, however, said in a statement: "In fact, there
existed none of these around the car. It is their own rigid and confrontational
policy which has made them spend the night in the car."
Although the Burmese military authorities insist she is not under
restriction, it is the third time recently they have stopped her leaving the
On two previous trips, on 7 July and 20 July, a compromise was
reached when the military brought the people Aung San Suu Kyi was attempting to
see to her car.
"Aung San Suu Kyi has been free to generally move about and
agitate against the government as she ever has. But of course there are limits,
just as there are anywhere as to how much unrest a person or an organisation
may stir up," the government said.
The politician's colleagues have expressed hope that a compromise
will be reached with the country's military to end the standoff.
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Monday, July 27, 1998 Published at
10:20 GMT 11:20 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi under siege
It's believed that Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the democracy
movement in Burma, has spent a third night in her car, in the continuing
confrontation with the authorities over her freedom of movement.
But there's been no further word since supporters said her car was
surrounded by police vehicles in a road off the highway west of
It's been there since it was stopped at a road block when Miss Suu
Kyi set out on Friday morning for a meeting with party supporters at Bassein.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Tuesday, July 28, 1998 Published at
03:51 GMT 04:51 UK
World: Americas
Burma hits back at US over Suu Kyi
The military leadership in Burma has hit back at the United
States, over criticism of its treatment of the pro-democracy leader, Aung San
Suu Kyi.
It said
Miss Suu Kyi has been stuck in her car since Friday, at a police
road block outside
The American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has said the
She said
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
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Tuesday, July 28, 1998 Published at
13:49 GMT 14:49 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi feels the heat
Aung San Suu Kyi trapped outside Rangoon
There is growing concern over the welfare of Burma's
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent four nights and five days
in sweltering heat in her car at a military checkpoint 20 miles outside
Rangoon.
Foreign governments - including the American Secretary of State,
Madeleine Albright - say they hold the Burmese military responsible for Aung
San Suu Kyi's welfare.
The British Foreign Office minister, Derek Fatchett, told the
Burmese representative at a conference in
He demanded that foreign ambassadors in
Trapped for five days
Ms Suu Kyi, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, was stopped at the
checkpoint on Friday as she was going to meet political supporters.
According to local people, Ms Suu Kyi has run out of food and
water.
Officials from her National League for Democracy Party (NLD) say
they fear she will collapse from heat exhaustion.
A military ambulance is on hand, and she has been seen by her
doctor. The military authorities say they are willing to provided fresh
supplies but she hasn't requested them yet.
Although the Burmese military authorities say there is no formal
restriction on Aung San Suu Kyi, it is the third time she has been stopped
while trying to visit party workers outside
Time for dialogue
The NLD says Ms Suu Kyi is determined to stay where she is until
the military allow her to travel freely outside
The BBC Burma specialist, Larry Jagan, says Aung San Suu Kyi is
trying to reinforce a message to the military that it is time to start genuine
dialogue with the opposition.
Government statements released in
Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues categorically deny this and
party workers say the main message is that the only way to resolve
Tension has risen between the military and the NLD since Ms Suu
Kyi called for a meeting of a parliament in August consisting of candidates
elected in the May 1990 elections.
The NLD swept the elections but the military ignored the results
and has refused to convene parliament.
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Wednesday, July 29, 1998 Published at
06:06 GMT 07:06 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese leaders 'must talk with opposition'
Aung San Suu Kyi trapped outside Rangoon
The American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has
said the military authorities in Burma must open talks with the opposition.
She was speaking at a meeting of Asian ministers in the
Philippines as the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, began a
sixth consecutive day in sweltering heat in her car at a military checkpoint 20
miles outside Rangoon.
Ms Suu Kyi is demanding to be allowed to travel freely around
There is growing concern over her welfare. Correspondents say the
state of her health is a major talking point at the meeting in the capital of
the
Foreign governments have said they hold the Burmese military
responsible for her wellbeing.
The British Foreign Office minister, Derek Fatchett, told the
Burmese representative at the conference that the ban infringed her basic
rights and was doing further serious harm to the country's reputation.
He demanded that foreign ambassadors in
Trapped
Ms Suu Kyi, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, was stopped at the
checkpoint on Friday as she was going to meet political supporters.
According to local people, she has run out of food and water.
Officials from her National League for Democracy Party (NLD) say
they fear she will collapse from heat exhaustion.
A military ambulance is on hand, and she has been seen by her
doctor. The military authorities say they are willing to provided fresh
supplies but she has not requested them yet.
Although the Burmese military authorities say there is no formal
restriction on Aung San Suu Kyi, it is the third time she has been stopped
while trying to visit party workers outside
Tension has risen between the military and the NLD since Ms Suu
Kyi called for a meeting of a parliament in August consisting of candidates
elected in the May 1990 elections.
The NLD swept the elections but the military ignored the results
and has refused to convene parliament.
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Wednesday, July 29, 1998 Published at
06:11 GMT 07:11 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese reject Suu Kyi meeting
The Burmese military authorities have rejected a request that
American and Japanese diplomats be allowed to meet the pro-democracy leader,
Aung San Suu Kyi, who is spending a sixth consecutive day of protest in her car
at a military checkpoint outside Rangoon.
The Burmese foreign minister, Onh Gyaw, said he did not feel that
such a meeting was needed at the moment.
Aung San Suu Kyi is demanding to be allowed to travel freely
around
There have been reports that her health is deteriorating, but Mr
Gyaw said he believed that she was in good condition.
Earlier, the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright,
called on the Burmese authorities to open talks with the opposition.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Wednesday, July 29, 1998 Published at
10:50 GMT 11:50 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi meeting rejected
Aung San Suu Kyi trapped outside Rangoon
The Burmese military authorities have rejected a request
that American and Japanese diplomats be allowed to meet the pro-democracy
leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ms Suu Kyi is spending a sixth consecutive day of protest in her
car at a military checkpoint 20 miles outside
She is demanding to be allowed to travel freely around
The Burmese foreign minister, Onh Gyaw, said he did not feel that
a meeting was needed at the moment.
There have been reports that Ms Suu Kyi's health is deteriorating,
but Mr Gyaw said he believed that she was in good condition.
Correspondents say her welfare has been a major talking point at
the Asean meeting in the capital of the
Earlier, the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright,
speaking at the meeting, called on the Burmese authorities to open talks with
the opposition.
Foreign governments have said they hold the Burmese military
responsible for Ms Suu Kyi's wellbeing.
The British Foreign Office minister, Derek Fatchett, demanded that
foreign ambassadors in
Trapped
Ms Suu Kyi, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, was stopped at the
checkpoint on Friday as she was going to meet political supporters.
According to local people, she has run out of food and water.
Officials from her National League for Democracy Party (NLD) say
they fear she will collapse from heat exhaustion.
A military ambulance is on hand, and she has been seen by her
doctor. The military authorities say they are willing to provided fresh
supplies but she has not requested them yet.
Although the Burmese military authorities say there is no formal
restriction on Aung San Suu Kyi, it is the third time she has been stopped
while trying to visit party workers outside
Tension has risen between the military and the NLD since Ms Suu
Kyi called for a meeting of a parliament in August consisting of candidates
elected in the May 1990 elections.
The NLD won the elections but the military ignored the results and
has refused to convene parliament.
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Thursday, July 30, 1998 Published at
02:48 GMT 03:48 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi returns home
The Burmese authorities say the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, has returned home after spending the past six days in her car at a
military roadblock outside Rangoon.
The authorities said she made the decision after talks with senior
members of her political party -- the National League for Democracy.
Aung San Suu Kyi had been protesting about what she said was the
military government's refusal to allow her to visit her supporters.
The government accused her of staging a publicity stunt.
There had been growing international concern about her health but
the Burmese authorities had rejected requests from foreign diplomats to visit
her.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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Thursday, July 30, 1998 Published at
09:24 GMT 10:24 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi forced to end protest
Aung San Suu Kyi spent six days in her car.
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been
forced by the military authorities to end a six-day sit-in protest in a car on
the outskirts of the capital,
She had been protesting about what she said was the government's
refusal to allow her to visit her supporters.
The move brought a protest from the American Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright.
But the Burmese authorities said they had intervened because of
concerns about Ms Suu Kyi's health.
"She may not like what we did to her, but now she will be
grateful for this in the future," a spokesman said.
The authorities had said earlier the opposition leader voluntarily
returned home.
But now government sources say she was taken back to
Two women soldiers got into Ms Suu Kyi's car and drove her back
home.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner is reported to be suffering from
dehydration and fever, after spending six days in her car.
Pledge to continue fight
In a news conference held by officials of her party - the National
League for Democracy (NLD) - she was quoted as saying "I am as strong as
ever".
NLD officials said she was "furious" and had pledged to
continue defying the regime. The party is considering legal action against the
authorities.
"She accused the military authorities of forcibly abducting
her, hijacking her car and using physical force," NLD officials said.
US condemns regime
The American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, said the way
the protest had been ended was an unacceptable violation of Aung San Suu Kyi's
human rights.
She had earlier called on the Burmese authorities to open talks
with the opposition.
Despite international concern about Ms Suu Kyi's health, the
Burmese authorities had earlier rejected requests from foreign diplomats to
visit her.
The Burmese Foreign Minister, Onh Gyaw, said he did not feel that
a meeting was needed at the moment.
The Burmese authorities had dismissed her protest as a publicity
stunt.
Although the Burmese military authorities say there is no formal
restriction on Aung San Suu Kyi, it was the third time she had been stopped
while trying to visit party workers outside
Tension has risen between the military and the NLD since Ms Suu
Kyi called for a meeting of a parliament in August consisting of candidates
elected in the May 1990 elections.
The NLD won the elections but the military ignored the results and
has refused to convene parliament.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 30, 1998 Published at
15:55 GMT 16:55 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi says she'll defy authorities again
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, says she'll defy
the military authorities and continue to leave her home for meetings with supporters.
She was speaking after the authorities had forced her to return
home from a six-day standoff at a roadblock outside
An opposition spokesman said Aung San Suu Kyi was exhausted, but
intended to leave again as soon as she was well.
The Burmese military government said her action was a publicity
stunt.
The British government has summoned the Burmese ambassador to
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 30, 1998 Published at
21:02 GMT 22:02 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
US condemns Burma over Aung San Suu Kyi
The United States has stepped up pressure on Burma, accusing the
authorities of a callous disregard for human rights in their treatment of the
pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
The State Department spokesman, James Rubin, said Aung San Suu Kyi
had been manhandled as the authorities forced her back to her home in
He called on
Aung San Suu Kyi herself says she'll continue to leave her home
for meetings with supporters.
The British government has summoned the Burmese ambassador to
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese threaten crackdown
Aung San Suu Kyi has been accused of destabilising the
country
By
The Burmese military authorities say they will destroy any
attempts by the opposition to stage demonstrations or other protests to mark
the anniversary later this week of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising.
State controlled newspapers accuse the opposition leader, Aung San
Suu Kyi, of trying to instigate unrest, one paper saying that any threat to the
state would be annihilated.
While continuing to maintain an iron grip over the country,
This Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of the 1988 student
uprising which the army put down amid extensive bloodshed.
The state-run media accuses Miss Suu Kyi of working with foreign
powers in an attempt to destabilise the country, both to commemorate the
uprising and to press her demand for the convening later this month of the
Burmese Parliament chosen in elections in 1990.
Those elections, won convincingly by Miss Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy, were subsequently ignored by the military.
Armed troops
Security has been tightened around the capital, with heavily armed
troops posted on major road intersections.
Much depends on the stamina and ingenuity of Miss Suu Kyi herself
in maintaining the heightened state of tension and the pressure on the regime.
For now, the 53-year-old opposition leader is recovering from
dehydration and a fever brought on by her gruelling six-day stand-off with the
authorities on a road outside
She has pledged to make further attempts to meet her supporters
around the country, but the army now seems most unlikely to allow that.
The government has warned her against trying any more of what it
terms dangerous publicity stunts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 6, 1998 Published at
20:24 GMT 21:24 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Security guards remain at Aung San Suu Kyi's house
The opposition National League for Democracy in Burma says the
military authorities have refused a request by Aung San Suu Kyi for the removal
of security guards from the grounds of her residence in Rangoon.
Guards have been stationed in the compound since she was released
from house arrest six years ago.
A statement by the NLD described the guards' presence as an
unlawful restriction.
Last week, Aung San Suu Kyi was taken back to Rangoon against her
will after spending six days in her car in a protest against military
restrictions.
The human rights organisation Amnesty International has appealed
for the release of ten political prisoners who they say warrant special
humanitarian consideration.
The appeal comes on the eve of the tenth anniversary of a violent
drive against democracy activists by the military government.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 7, 1998 Published at
00:18 GMT 01:18 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
'Suu Kyi's unwanted guests won't go'
Aung San Suu Kyi: under constant surveillance
Supporters of the Burmese pro-democracy campaigner, Aung San
Suu Kyi, say the country's military rulers are refusing her request to withdraw
security guards from the grounds of her home in the capital, Rangoon.
Guards have been stationed in the compound since the 1991 Nobel
Peace Prize winner was released from house arrest six years ago.
A statement by Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for
Democracy, described the guards' presence as an unlawful restriction.
Last week, Ms Suu Kyi was forced by the military authorities to
end a six-day sit-in protest in a car on the outskirts of Rangoon.
She had been protesting about what she said was the government's
refusal to allow her to visit her supporters outside the capital.
Amnesty anniversary plea
The fresh confrontation comes as the Burmese opposition prepares
to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a military crackdown against democracy
activists in which thousands of people were killed.
The human rights group, Amnesty International, has chosen the
occasion to appeal to the Burmese Government to free 10 political prisoners,
who it says warrant special humanitarian consideration.
In a statement, Amnesty said: "Some of these men and women
have spent almost 10 years in prison for no more than writing letters and
handing out leaflets. Why is the government so afraid of them?"
It said the release of prisoners would "help to defuse rising
tensions, build public confidence and show a degree of good faith to the
international community."
Amnesty has also accused the international community of failing to
do enough to end the suffering of the Burmese people under military rule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 7, 1998 Published at
14:27 GMT 15:27 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma's military to withdraw guards
Burma's military government says it's prepared to withdraw
security guards from the Rangoon residence of the pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, after she asked them to leave.
Discussions were now underway.
Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, has
condemned the guards presence, describing it as an unlawful restriction.
In a separate development the NLD has rejected an offer to meet
senior members of the government on Saturday the tenth anniversary of the
popular uprising against military rule.
The opposition said it could not accept the invitation because it
excluded Aung San Suu Kyi.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 8, 1998 Published at
01:33 GMT 02:33 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese democracy campaign continues
Burmese students in are demanding the release of political
prisoners
The Burmese opposition leader has stressed her commitment to
the campaign to restore democracy in the country and says she will not be
intimidated by the military government.
Aung San Suu Kyi was speaking on the eve of the 10th anniversary
of a bloody army crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners in Burma.
Speaking from her National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters
in Rangoon, she said: "I don't think there will be anybody in Burma who
does not remember what happened 10 years ago - painfully and with deep
regret."
Burmese opposition activists have been marking the eve of the
anniversary with protests to demand the government convene a parliament of
members elected at a poll in May 1990.
The NLD won the poll by a big margin, but the result was ignored
by the military.
"We are determined to do everything we can to make good our
promise to the people that we are going to bring democracy to Burma," Aung
San Suu Kyi said.
She said the military government must understand "they cannot
achieve everything by force".
"This is a day on which we should renew our resolve to work
for democracy and to build up the kind of system in which people by the
thousands are not shot down simply because they have asked for something they
have a right to demand," she said.
Earier, the NLD rejected an invitation to meet senior government
officials, because, it said, the party leader was not allowed to be present.
The military government refuses to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 8, 1998 Published at
02:41 GMT 03:41 UK
World: South Asia
Burmese agree to pull back guard
Aung San Suu Kyi: no longer under house arrest but still
restricted
Burma's military government says it is prepared to withdraw
security guards from the residence of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize
winning leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NDL) party.
She asked the authorities to pull out the guards on Thursday.
The offer comes on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the uprising
against military rule in Burma.
A government statement said: "The government was surprised at
Ms ASSK (Aung San Suu Kyi)'s sudden request and she provided no explanation.
However, the government is happy to comply with her request and discussions are
now under way about the measures."
Earlier, the NDL condemned the guards' presence, describing it as
an unlawful restriction.
Security personnel have been stationed in Aung San Suu Kyi's
compound since she was released from house arrest in 1995, but the government
says the guards were provided at her request.
Diplomats say, however, that the guards are supposed to report on
Aung San Suu Kyi's movements and have even stopped her at times.
In a separate development, Aung San Suu Kyi's party rejected an
invitation to meet senior members of the government on Saturday.
The NDL said it could not accept the invitation as Aung San Suu
Kyi herself was not allowed to be present.
"Since the purpose of the meeting was not mentioned in the
letter and also because the party cannot accept the conditions ... the
invitation was declined by the party," said an NDL statement.
One report said that the military has described Ms Suu Kyi as
selfish and stubborn for insisting that no meeting with her party be held
without herself.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, August 10, 1998 Published at
17:19 GMT 18:19 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi vows push for change
Aung San Suu Kyi: "The tide of history is with us"
The leader of the main Burmese political party, Aung San Suu
Kyi, has told the BBC she intends to step up her campaign for political
change.
She said she was confident that Burma would achieve democracy
"because the tide of history is with us."
"The situation of the country is such that the military
regime can really do nothing for the country and the people know that change is
necessary."
Aung San Suu Kyi said she believed the ruling junta would
eventually accept it had to negotiate with her National League for Democracy,
which won elections eight years ago.
She has demanded that the parliament chosen then be convened by 21
August and told the BBC that her party would act accordingly if it was not.
The BBC South-east Asia correspondent Simon Ingram says Aung San
Suu Kyi seemed recovered from her most recent confrontation with the military,
in which she spent six days on a bridge outside the capital surrounded by
troops.
Detentions
Last Saturday's tenth anniversary of the crushing of pro-democracy
demonstrations passed off without serious incident.
But 18 foreigners were detained in Rangoon for distributing
leaflets which the government says were aimed at inciting unrest. Foreign
diplomats have been negotiating with the Burmese authorities for their release.
A government spokesman said the foreigners - who include six
Americans and nationals from Asian countries - had broken at least two laws but
gave no information about what action would be taken.
They were distributing leaflets calling on the people of Burma to
remember the tenth anniversary of the suppression of pro-democracy
demonstrations.
The government said in a statement that by trying to bring
"chaos and anarchy" to the country, opposition groups were
unnecessarily prolonging the democratic process which it said Burma was
undergoing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 12, 1998 Published at
12:44 GMT 13:44 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi again stopped by security forces
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has again been
stopped by security forces as she tried to leave the capital, Rangoon, to meet
supporters of her party, the National League for Democracy.
It's the fourth time in two months that she has defied
restrictions on her movements.
Late last month she suffered severe dehydration when her car was
blocked by troops for six days.Aung San Suu Kyi has linked her actions to her
demand for the convening within the next ten days of the parliament elected in
1990, which has never been allowed to meet.
The BBC South East Asia correspondent says the latest standoff
comes amid increasing international pressure on the Burmese military government
which is holding eighteen foreign activists detained on Sunday for distributing
anti-government leaflets.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 13, 1998 Published at
06:08 GMT 07:08 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese troops continue to prevent Aung San Suu Kyi from
travelling
The Burmese security forces are continuing to block the journey of
the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who's making another attempt to leave
the capital, Rangoon.
Miss Suu Kyi had a similar stand-off with the authorities three
weeks ago, when her car was blocked by troops for six days.
The BBC Southeast Asia correspondent says she is better prepared
this time, with a mini-van and extra supplies.
The Burmese military government is also continuing to hold
eighteen foreign activists, including six Americans, who were detained for
handing out political leaflets.
Our correspondent says the government has refused a visa for an
American congressman, Chris Smith, who has flown to the region to seek the
release of the Americans.
From the newsroom of the BBC World
Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 13, 1998 Published at
11:41 GMT 12:41 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi remains defiant
Aung San Suu Kyi spent six days in her car last month
Burmese troops are continuing to prevent pro-democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi from travelling outside the capital, Rangoon, for the
second consecutive day.
Ms Suu Kyi was stopped at the same
roadblock where last month she spent six days in her car in a stand-off
protest, after the authorities refused to allow her to travel to visit her
supporters.
A government statement said Ms Suu Kyi and her party had been
stopped on Wednesday because they were "without proper security
arrangements", and were asked to return to Rangoon.
Tension between the military Ms Suu Kyi has increased since she
called for a meeting of parliament in August consisting of candidates elected
in the May 1990 elections.
The NLD won the elections but the military ignored the results and
has refused to convene parliament.
Prepared for long wait
Ms Suu Kyi, head of the National League for Democracy, left
She was travelling in a van thought to contain enough food and
water to allow the group to endure more than the six days of Miss Suu Kyi 's
last stand-off.
That protest ended when soldiers escorted her back to the capital.
The authorities said they had ended the protest for the sake of Ms Suu Kyi's
own health, but also accused her of carrying out a publicity stunt.
International pressure
Ms Suu Kyi's latest journey is her fourth attempt in two-months to
travel outside
Her aim is to embarrass a regime that finds itself under mounting
domestic and international pressure.
The embassies of
The opposition leader has vowed that she will continue to defy
restrictions placed on her movements by the government.
The Burmese Government maintains there are no formal restrictions
on Ms Suu Kyi.
Concern over detained foreigners
Miss Suu Kyi's latest bid to increase pressure on Burma's military
government coincides with mounting international concern over 18 foreign
activists detained in Rangoon on Sunday for distributing anti-government
leaflets.
The US Embassy in
A
The group also includes three Thais, three Malaysians, three
Indonesians, two Philippine citizens and an Australian.
Our correspondent says that the potential diplomatic complications
might deter the authorities from charging the foreigners.
But a government spokesman on Wednesday said the detainees were
"not co-operating" and this had prolonged their detention.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former Burmese students continue their
protests, in
By regional analyst Joe Havely:
For much of the past decade,
An entire generation has missed out on education, and those who do
have training are leaving the country.
These are
The student 'threat'
"The government has never understood the students" says
Kyi Kyi May, head of the BBC Burmese Service. "Even the smallest protests
were seen as a threat."
After the military crackdown in 1988, many students who took part
in the protests were forced to flee the country. As universities were closed,
those who had their education cut short were forced to work as trishaw drivers,
road sweepers or even prostitutes.
Some were educated at home or in the private schools that sprang
up for those that could afford them. But subjects like medicine, law and
accountancy are difficult to teach outside established universities.
Strict control
Today the man in charge of
The government fears that student gatherings may rekindle the
flames of political opposition and he has strict control of what is taught.
"There's no freedom to chose courses," says Aye Min, a
former Burmese university lecturer. "Everything must be submitted to the
government-controlled senate for approval."
It is a different story for the rulers' children. They have access
to education abroad and are guaranteed jobs in the many business interests run
by the generals.
Standards plummet
Although the government says it values education, under military
rule, 40% of
Wages have been so low that those with the skills to teach are
unwilling to work.
The poorly-trained teachers that do work are made to teach
according to strict guidelines and are responsible for preventing their
students from engaging in unauthorised political activities.
Aye Min says teaching quality has suffered: "When the
universities are open there is a feeling that they have to make up for lost
time. So they've cut the length of time it takes to get a BA or BSc from four
years to just four months."
The cumulative effect is that standards plummet: new teachers are
not trained, skills and knowledge do not get passed down, and an educational
rot sets in.
Brain drain
Added to this is the steady departure of
Many young professionals protested alongside the students in 1988.
At the time, it was difficult for people to emigrate.
But since then, says Kyi Kyi May, the government has freed up the
system: "The government decided that if they're not happy, they should let
them go. That leaves fewer people to speak out against them."
While the generals live in luxury, for those that remain life is
hard. Kyi Kyi May has spoken to many people in
"Deprived of these necessities people are more worried about
this than democracy" she says.
Without an educated society many observers fear that an efficient
civilian government and civil service cannot emerge.
John Jackson of the human rights organisation Burma Action Group
says the junta's policy is to "deliberately encourage a brain drain."
He says that by preventing the emergence of an alternative, the generals
believe they can hold on to power.
But in the grip of
After all says Kyi Kyi May, "the military didn't take power
just to give it back again."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waiting for democracy
The frustration which erupted on the
streets of
The people of
When they found their collective voice in the short-lived period which
has been dubbed the Rangoon Spring, they had plenty to protest about.
As well as the restoration of basic human rights, they called for
democracy, something their country had only brief experience of in the years
after independence.
General Aung San
The resistance movement which fought against Japanese rule during
the Second World War emerged as the main political force after
It was led by General Aung San, the father of Aung San Suu Kyi,
and a revered national figure. He was assassinated in 1947.
Aung San's successor, U Nu, became
Ne Win's '
General Ne Win brought this period to an abrupt end when he took
power in a military coup in 1962. He set about turning the country into a
centralised, one-party socialist state.
Freedom of the press was abolished, along with the constitution.
All political parties other than the one sponsored by the government were
banned.
The economy, once one of the strongest in
Economic troubles
Economic grievances became a key factor in the occasional
outbursts of social unrest and rioting in subsequent years. By 1987
A special meeting of the Burmese leadership in August 1987
resolved to tackle the economic situation. In September, amid rice shortages
caused by a poor harvest, the government announced it was withdrawing certain
denominations of banknotes from circulation, without compensation.
The move effectively wiped out 80% of the money in circulation. An
already poor people were reduced to desperation. Students rioted in the first
serious civil unrest since 1976.
Further rioting and demonstrations in the first half of 1988 were
violently suppressed by police.
The people speak
On
Tens of thousands of protesters called for democracy, human
rights, the resignation of the government and an end to the centrally-run
economic system. The demonstrations spread to dozens of other places around the
country.
The response from the authorities was brutal: thousands were
arrested or killed by the police and army. The military established a new
leadership body, the State Law and Order Restoration Council.
Aung San Suu Kyi
The daughter of Burma's independence leader Gen Aung San, Aung San
Suu Kyi campaigned around the country in 1988 and early 1989, calling for
democratic rule and attracting widespread support in spite of the military's
ban on gatherings.
In July 1989 she was placed under house arrest. She remained there
for six years.
In spite of her detention, Aung San Suu Kyi led her National
League for Democracy to an overwhelming victory in elections in May 1990.
But the military leadership refused to hand over power, and
instead responded by arresting opposition leaders.
Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1991.
Speaking on the occasion, her husband Michael Aris said the prize
had never been awarded to someone in a situation of "such extreme
isolation."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi
Arlene Gregorius looks back at the life and career of Nobel Peace
Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi:
Like the South African leader Nelson
Mandela before her, Aung San Suu Kyi, has come to be seen internationally as a
symbol of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.
She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace
in 1991, by which time she had been under house arrest for two out of what was
to become six years.
Now aged 53, Suu Kyi is the daughter of
the late Burmese nationalist leader, General Aung San, whose resistance to
British colonial rule culminated in
After attending school in the Burmese
capital
This is where she met and married her
husband, Michael Aris, an
Already then, Michael Aris knew his
wife's destiny might ultimately lie with
"Before we were married I promised
my wife that I would never stand between her and her country," he says.
Aung San Suu Kyi first came to prominence
when she returned to
She became the leader of a burgeoning
pro-democracy movement in the aftermath of the brutal repression of a
pro-democratic uprising earlier that summer.
Election 'victory'
The movement quickly grew into a
political party that went on to win an overwhelming majority 82% percent in
national elections in 1990, by which time she had already been under house
arrest for a year.
The military regime, however, refused to
relinquish power and stepped up intensified repression of her party, the National
League for Democracy.
Martin Smith, a writer on Burmese
affairs, says there are several reasons why Aung San Suu Kyi proved such a
natural leader.
"Her father was the founder of the
democratic movement. So Suu Kyi in a way had inherited that kind of tradition.
"But the second thing is of course
down to Aung San Suu Kyi herself, her role in the democracy movement and her
speeches about the need for change in Burmese society.
"And I think there is a further
thing she very much had on her side - that is her comparative youth in Burmese
politics."
Inspired by the non-violent campaigns of
the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, and
She campaigned for change through
dialogue. After her release from six years of house arrest in 1995, she defined
what might actually produce the talks that she wants:
"We think that the strength of our
movement is really in the country itself.
"It is in the will of the people and
the great majority of people in
"We as the National League for
Democracy and as part of the forces for democracy, are always ready to work together
with the authorities to achieve national reconciliation and we would like to
think that the strength of our good will and the very strong desire of the
people for democracy will bring positive results."
Despite Suu Kyi's official release from house
arrest, there are still de facto restrictions on her freedom to move and speak,
and oppression of pro-democracy activism continues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign relations suffered over detention of activists
By Alice Donald of the Asia-Pacific unit
There is mounting international criticism of the military regime
in
The image of Aung San Suu Kyi stranded in her car on a dusty
roadside has captivated the world's media.
The unequal match between the diminutive opposition figure and the
men in military fatigues who are blocking her path has all the makings of an
enduring political icon, much like the Chinese student who confronted the tanks
in
The generals have rebuffed all criticism with characteristically
hard-line statements. But the international spotlight will not go away, with
all eyes now fixed on August 21 - the deadline which Aung San Suu Kyi has set
for the parliament elected in 1990 to meet.
Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to challenge the junta has been
stunningly effective in dramatising the repression in
Aung San Suu Kyi has not said what she will do if, as expected,
the junta ignores her call. However, this matters less than the fact that she
has managed, at least temporarily, to seize the initiative and drag the glare
of international attention onto the generals.
And by limiting herself to carefully calculated political moves,
she has crucially steered firmly away from any actions which could lead to a
replay of the popular uprising of 1988 and the appalling repression which
quashed it.
How is the junta itself responding to this apparent momentum for
reform?
The defiant statements from
The arrest of the foreign activists arrested for distributing
pro-democracy leaflets appears a clumsy and self-defeating move by the regime.
But it is important to remember that the government calculates its
moves for domestic as much as international consumption.
The stark fact is that the junta has clung onto power for a decade
by suppressing internal dissent, and so by their own logic this is the route to
survival.
Are there any grounds for hope in the apparently sterile political
climate?
Some observers say divisions in the junta itself could help break
the mould. There is known to be a power struggle between the two power centres
in the junta - military intelligence, headed by General Khin Nyunt, and the
army, led by General Maung Aye.
The internal putsch last November, in which a number of senior
figures were ousted, ostensibly for corruption, has also had repercussions for
internal unity.
However, whatever the speculation about fissures in the regime,
the generals have always pulled together against opposition at home and abroad,
and there is no reason to believe that strategy will change.
Nevertheless, the Burmese regime cannot remain completely
impervious to sustained external pressure - especially from its main aid donor,
International censure, combined with the struggle of Aung San Suu
Kyi, can only heighten the junta's discomfiture.
But the actual mechanism for change, if it ever comes, is likely
to be slow and painstaking - belying any comparisons with the "People
Power" uprisings in the
So effective has repression been in
The generals have now said they will meet NLD figures, though not
Aung San Suu Kyi. They insist that the Constitutional Convention, boycotted by
the NLD, is the only vehicle for reform.
The NLD, meanwhile, says nothing less than direct dialogue with
Aung San Suu Kyi will do.
The question is: Who will make the first concession and how can
While the camera lenses of the world's media are trained on that
car on the roadside, it is this murky political shadow-boxing that could
provide the key to unlock
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 14, 1998 Published at
19:46 GMT 20:46 UK
World: South Asia
Burmese reject UN mediation
Aung San Suu Kyi - stopped again by police
The Burmese military government says there is no reason for
UN mediation in its stand-off with the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
According to diplomatic sources, the UN had hoped to intervene to
enable both sides to climb down from their current positions and to start
long-term discussions about the future of the country.
But the UN said the Burmese Prime Minister, General Than Shwe,
politely said there was no reason for such a rushed visit.
Authorities refused to grant a visa to
The latest developments are a further sign that the government's
firm position.
Police have been preventing Ms Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize
winner, from visiting supporters.
On Wednesday she was stopped in her van about 20 miles (32 kms)
west of
The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, expressed disappointment at
the Burmese government's rejection of the UN's mediation bid.
His spokesman, Juan Carlos Brandt, said: "The Secretary
General was disappointed on receiving the response by the government there.
They have in the past seen other United Nations staff members."
Mr Annan delegated one of the most respected figures at the UN to
undertake the mission, the former president of the General Assembly, Razali
Ismail. The hope was to begin talks this week.
The UN has been involved in a dialogue with the Burmese
authorities for four years.
But the BBC correspondent at the UN, Jon Leyne, says so far there
has been little to show for it, and this time, once again, the Burmese government
has not responded to outside pressure.
The latest confrontation between Ms Suu Kyi and the government has
intensified pressure on the country's military rulers.
It has also drawn more attention to a demand by her National
League for Democracy (NLD) that the government convene a parliament by of
members elected at polls in May 1990 by 21 August.
The NLD swept those elections but the government ignored the
result and rejected demands for democracy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 15, 1998 Published at
15:05 GMT 16:05 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma activists deported to Thailand
The 18 activists were welcomed back at Bangkok airport
A group of 18 foreign activists who were sentenced to five
years' hard labour by a Burmese court have arrived back in Bangkok after being
deported.
At a brief trial on Friday, they pleaded guilty to charges of
sedition after being arrested for handing out pro-democracy leaflets in the
Burmese capital,
Reporting from neighbouring
Minutes after the court imposed the sentence, a letter arrived
from
The suspension was ordered in "view of bilateral relations
between
"We were treated like kings and queens"
In contrast, the three Thais in the group said they had been kept
in dirty rooms without mats to lie on and no running water.
Suu Kyi protest
Their release came as Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
entered a fourth day at a road block outside the capital,
Reports say the van in which she was travelling has been towed to
the same bridge where she spent six days in a similar confrontation last month,
although this time she is thought to have brought extra supplies.
The military government has said it cannot allow her to proceed
further for her own safety as there are security problems in the area, and an
ambulance had been taken to the site for her safety.
In a statement on Saturday, a government spokesman said efforts
were being made to make her roadside stay comfortable as possible and that she
had been provided with a tape player and cassettes by Madonna and Michael
Jackson "to help Ms Suu Kyi pass the time."
Warning to others
The arrests of the 18 foreigners had sparked strong international
condemnation and in
She also had words of support for Ms Suu Kyi saying efforts to
promote dialogue in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, August 16, 1998 Published at
07:55 GMT 08:55 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi still held at road block
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is spending a
fifth day at a roadblock outside the capital, Rangoon, where the authorities
are preventing her from travelling on to meet her supporters.
Diplomatic sources in
The sources say Miss Suu Kyi is believed to be in good health.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, August 16, 1998 Published at
17:19 GMT 18:19 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi sits tight
Restrictions to movement have been condemned abroad
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is spending
a fifth day at a roadblock outside the capital, Rangoon, where the authorities
are preventing her from travelling on to meet her supporters.
Diplomatic sources in
The sources say Miss Suu Kyi and her three companions are believed
to be in good health.
Political stand-off
Together with her companions, Miss Suu Kyi was on her way to
Pathein township when their grey minibus was stopped.
Diplomats say the latest stand-off is designed to focus world
attention on her deadline of August 21 as the date by which the government
should convene the parliament that was elected in 1990.
Miss Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy Party won that
election by an overwhelming majority, but the military junta ignored the
result.
Instead, it jailed dozens of NLD members on political charges, and
sent others fleeing into exile.
Four times in the past two months, government authorities have
blocked Miss Suu Kyi's way as she has tried to travel to the countryside to
meet her would-be members of parliament.
But despite international criticism, the military government has
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".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, August 16, 1998 Published at
19:59 GMT 20:59 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi still held at road block
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is spending a
sixth day at a roadblock outside the capital, Rangoon, where the authorities
are preventing her from travelling on to meet her supporters.
Diplomatic sources in
The sources say Miss Suu Kyi is believed to be in good health.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, August 17, 1998 Published at
14:43 GMT 15:43 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition ask for doctor for Suu Kyi
The Burmese opposition party have asked the country's military
government to allow the personal doctor of the party's leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, to visit her at a roadblock south-west of the capital Rangoon.
Miss Suu Kyi is on the sixth day of a protest against travel
restrictions she says are imposed on her by the military authorities.
The government says her journey to visit party colleagues in a
nearby townis unsafe.
Last month a similar sit-in ended on its sixth day when the
authorities seized Miss Suu Kyi's car and drove her back to the capital.
There is no independent information on Miss Suu Kyi's condition;
the military say they have provided her with fruit, cakes and drinks.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, August 17, 1998 Published at
21:02 GMT 22:02 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Doctor's visit requested for Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi's van has been at the roadblock since
Wednesday
The Burmese opposition party, the National League for
Democracy, has asked permission for party leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be visited
by her personal doctor.
Ms Suu Kyi has spent six days in a van parked at a roadblock in
protest at restrictions which she says the Burmese military government has
placed on her.
The government says it stopped her at the roadblock because her
journey was unsafe.
The NLD leader and Nobel peace laureate was trying to visit party
colleauges when she was halted south-west of
There is no independent information on Ms Suu Kyi's condition.
The authorities say they have provided her with fruit, cakes and
drinks.
'Camping trip'
According to one report, diplomats say the government is trying to
belittle Ms Suu Kyi's protest by making it look like a camping trip.
"Ms Suu Kyi, U Hla Pe and their two chauffeurs are continuing
taking rest in a camping vehicle near Anyarsu, a small but picturesque village
outside Yangon," the government is reported to have said in a statement on
Monday.
But the statement also described the NLD as "the number one
enemy" of the Burmese people.
Last month, a similar sit-in ended on its sixth day when the
authorities seized Ms Suu Kyi's car and drove her back to the capital. She was
suffering severe dehydration.
International leaders have condemned the authorities for stopping
the Ms Suu Kyi's journey, and the opposition leader vowed afterwards that she
would continue to defy the Burmese Government.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 18, 1998 Published at
15:53 GMT 16:53 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese junta talks to opposition
Burmese students supporting the opposition
Senior leaders of the Burmese Government have held talks
with the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) for the first time in
more than a year.
The move is surprising because hours earlier, senior members of
A government statement described the encounter as open and cordial
and said it could be the first in a series of confidence building meetings.
It said a delegation led by the military intelligence chief, Khin
Nyunt, met for 45 minutes at a government guesthouse with the chairman of the
NLD, Aung Shwe - for what it termed open, frank and cordial talks.
The BBC's South-East Asia Correspondent, Simon Ingram, says the
meeting could mark an important first step in breaking a dangerous political
deadlock in
He says a political breakthrough is seen as a prerequisite for
averting the collapse of
Suu Kyi exclusion
The opposition has turned down previous offers of talks because
the military junta said that it is ready for dialogue only, if the party's
leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is not a participant.
Our correspondent says the NLD is understood to have come under
some pressure from Western governments to show more flexibility in this regard.
Miss Suu Kyi's line has been that while she does not insist on
participating in any discussions with the government, the NLD must have the
right to choose who its delegation should consist of.
Miss Suu Kyi is spending a seventh day in a minibus on a small
road bridge outside Rangoon after being blocked by the security forces on her
latest attempt to leave the capital.
Her intention is both to highlight the restrictions imposed on her
political activities and to step up pressure on the authorities.
She has demanded that the government convene by this Friday a
meeting of the parliament elected in 1990, in which the NLD won an overwhelming
majority - a deadline that has been ignored by the regime.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 20, 1998 Published at
11:19 GMT 12:19 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese ex-dissidents call for flexible opposition
Can follow BURMA AUNG SAN SUU KYI Two former Burmese dissidents
who returned to the country this week from ten years in exile, have called on
the opposition to adopt a more flexible approach to the military government.
Speaking in
Other exiles attacked the move as a stunt to deflect attention
from what they said were widespread human rights abuses and growing political
tension in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 20, 1998 Published at
11:22 GMT 12:22 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader reportedly weakened by nine-day
protest
The Burmese opposition party, the National League for Democracy,
says the health of its leader Aung San Suu Kyi is failing and she may be forced
to give up her latest roadside protest against government travel restrictions.
The party said she would be prepared to return home if the
government agreed to release jailed opposition politicians.
The statement came one day before a deadline, set by the National
League for Democracy, for the military government to convene a parliament
elected in 1990.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been blocked by the security forces on all
her recent attempts to leave the capital.
Last month a similar sit-in ended on its sixth day when the
authorities seized her car and drove her back to
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 20, 1998 Published at
13:19 GMT 14:19 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi's health 'failing'
The military has refused to let Aung San Suu Kyi's van pass
The Burmese opposition party, the National League for
Democracy, has said the health of its leader Aung San Suu Kyi is failing and
she may be forced to give up her latest roadside protest against the
government.
The NLD said the Nobel Peace Prize laureate would be prepared to
return home if the country's military rulers agreed to release opposition
politicians who were jailed in May.
Ms Suu Kyi and three supporters are parked in their van on a
bridge 32 km from the capital.
They were halted there by the security forces on 12 August and denied
permission to travel to the west of the country. Ms Suu Kyi and her companions
have so far refused to return home.
Last month a similar stand-off ended on its sixth day when the
authorities forcibly returned Ms Suu Kyi to
'Frail'
In a statement the NLD said Ms Suu Kyi had been visited by her
doctor who found her health "frail" but her morale high.
The doctor was quoted as saying Ms Suu Kyi showed signs of
dehydration and her eyes were becoming yellow.
The statement said that if the NLD leader's health got worse then
she would have to call off her protest. It added that it held the military
responsible for Ms Suu Kyi's health.
The latest opposition demand came one day before a deadline, set
by the NLD, for the military government to convene a parliament elected in
1990.
The NLD won that election but the result was ignored by the
military.
On Thursday, the government again rejected the demands for the
result to be respected.
Former dissidents rally to military
Meanwhile, two former Burmese dissidents who returned to the
country this week from 10 years in exile called on the opposition to adopt a
more flexible approach to the military government.
Speaking in
Other exiles attacked the move as a stunt to deflect attention
from what they said were widespread human rights abuses and growing political
tension in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 20, 1998 Published at
20:37 GMT 21:37 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition figure knocks Aung San Suu Kyi protest
A Burmese opposition politician has criticised the latest roadside
protest by the National League for Democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, as
untimely and inappropriate.
A former senior official of the League for Democracy and Peace, Oo
Win Naing, told the BBC that the previous sit-in had been successful in
attracting international attention to
But he said the current stand-off was keeping her away from
important political developments in the capital,
Oo Win Naing said dialogue with the government was more useful
than confrontation.
On Thursday, two former political exiles also called for the
opposition to be more flexible at a news conference in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 20, 1998 Published at
20:40 GMT 21:40 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma politician knocks Aung San Suu Kyi protest
In Burma, a former opposition politician has criticised the latest
roadside protest by the National League for Democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
as untimely and inappropriate.
Oo Win Naing, who used to head the League for Democracy and Peace,
told the BBC that the previous sit-in had been successful in attracting
international attention to
But he said the current stand-off was keeping her away from
important political developments in the capital,
Oo Win Naing said dialogue with the government was more useful
than confrontation.
On Thursday, two former political exiles also called for the
opposition to be more flexible at a news conference in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 21, 1998 Published at
07:56 GMT 08:56 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma's deadline approaches
Aung San Suu Kyi's party has set a deadline to take up its
parliamentary seats
Tension is rising in Burma on August 21 - the deadline set
by the opposition for the military government to convene parliament or face the
consequences.
But the military government ignored the poll results and refused
to let the elected parliament take its seats.
The BBC's correspondent in the region, David Willis, says that
since then, the regime has repressed the opposition, jailing, torturing and
intimidating some of its supporters.
He says the deadline is certain to be ignored and the NLD has not
said what action it will take, if any, in response.
But despite rumours of protest, the Burmese may be too frightened
to take to the streets, fearing a repeat of bloodshed 10 years ago when
thousands of people are thought to have died in clashes with the military.
Nobel winner continues protest
The party's leader, Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has
spent the last nine days protesting against a government order preventing her
from travelling out of the capital,
She has remained parked in her van, 20 miles south-west of the
capital,
In newspaper comment columns usually given over to denouncing Aung
San Suu Kyi, the state-controlled press has urged people not to be disturbed by
rumours which it said were designed to cause civil unrest and anti-government
riots.
Possibly in an attempt to defuse any plans for protest, the
military has held the first talks with members of the NLD for more than a year.
Aung San Suu Kyi was not present.
The NLD has described the military's previous attempts at
discussion as insincere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 21, 1998 Published at
09:18 GMT 10:18 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
BURMA OPPOSITION DEADLINE
Burma's state media has intensified its attacks on the opposition
leader, Aung San Suu-Kyi, as the military government refused to meet her
deadline for the meeting of the parliament elected in 1990.
One government newspaper said she should be deported and her
party, the National League for Democracy, declared illegal.
A BBC correspondent in the city said many Burmese were too
frightened to take to the streets.
Aung San Suu Kyi remains in a van outside
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 21, 1998 Published at
14:53 GMT 15:53 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma opposition to convene 'parliament'
Aung San Suu Kyi's party says it will convene parliament,
but the military remains in control
The main opposition party in Burma, the National League for
Democracy, says it will convene a parliamentary gathering of the country's
principal ethnic groups within the next few days.
A parliament was elected in 1990, but
Since then the NLD - which won more than 80% of the seats - has
campaigned for a return to civilian rule.
The NLD leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, had set Friday as the deadline
for the military to convene the parliament.
Before the NLD's latest announcement, one government newspaper
said Ms Suu Kyi should be deported and her party declared illegal.
The BBC South East Asia correspondent says that despite opposition
talk, the evidence on the ground suggests that the army remains very much in
control, with the regime jailing, torturing and intimidating some of the
opposition supporters.
But despite rumours of protest, the Burmese may be too frightened
to take to the streets, fearing a repeat of bloodshed 10 years ago when
thousands of people are thought to have died in clashes with the military.
Suu Kyi continues sit-in
The party's leader, Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has
spent the last 10 days protesting against a government order preventing her
from travelling out of the capital,
She has remained parked in her van, 32km south-west of the capital
after soldiers blocked her way. Recently her health was described as
"frail", though her morale was said to be still good.
In newspaper comment columns usually given over to denouncing Ms
Suu Kyi, the state-controlled press has urged people not to be disturbed by
rumours which it said were designed to cause civil unrest and anti-government
riots.
Possibly in an attempt to defuse any plans for protest, the
military has held the first talks with members of the NLD for more than a year.
Ms Suu Kyi was not present.
The NLD has described the military's previous attempts at
discussion as insincere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 22, 1998 Published at
09:58 GMT 10:58 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader's health "improving"
The health of Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is said
to be improving as she enters her eleventh day of a standoff with the ruling
Burmese military authoirties.
Ms Suu Kyi and three of her party colleagues from the National
League for Democracy are encamped in a van outside
They have been stopped by the government from leaving the city to
visit supporters.
Meanwhile the government has still not responded to an
announcement by the NLD that they're to hold a parliamentary gathering of
About thirty exiled Burmese students in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 22, 1998 Published at
12:29 GMT 13:29 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Concern over Suu Kyi's health
Suu Kyi's party says it will convene parliament
The opposition National League for Democracy in Burma says
the authorities have prevented doctors from visiting the opposition leader,
Aung San Suu Kyi, who is in the 12th day of a stand-off with the military
government.
The NLD says Ms Suu Kyi is suffering from kidney problems and low
blood pressure.
She and three colleagues remain inside a van on a roadside, 32km
west of the capital,
They are protesting against the authorities' refusal to allow her
to travel to the city of
Meanwhile, the government has still not responded to an
announcement by the NLD that they are to hold a parliamentary gathering of
The National League for Democracy proposed the gathering after the
government failed to meet an opposition deadline for a new parliament to be
convened.
Parliament never met
A parliament was elected in 1990, but
Since then the NLD - which won more than 80% of the seats - has
campaigned for a return to civilian rule.
The BBC South-East Asia correspondent says that despite opposition
talk, the evidence on the ground suggests that the army remains very much in
control, with the regime jailing, torturing and intimidating some of the
opposition supporters.
But despite rumours of protest, the Burmese may be too frightened
to take to the streets, fearing a repeat of bloodshed 10 years ago when
thousands of people are thought to have died in clashes with the military.
Possibly in an attempt to defuse any plans for protest, the
military has held the first talks with members of the NLD for more than a year.
Ms Suu Kyi was not present.
The NLD has described the military's previous attempts at
discussion as insincere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, August 23, 1998 Published at
13:14 GMT 14:14 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi abandons protest
Protest: Aung San Suu Kyi refused offers of comfort from
authorities
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has ended her
13-day roadside protest against the military government amid fears for her
health.
According to the Burmese opposition party, the National League for
Democracy (NLD), their leader returned to her home in the capital
She had been protesting over her right to travel outside the
capital,
Party colleagues had urged Ms Suu Kyi to end the protest because
of her failing health.
Earlier on Monday riot police broke up a pro-democracy
demonstration in the centre of
They dispersed more than 200 protestors who had shouted
anti-government slogans and distributed pro-democracy leaflets at a traffic
intersection near
The protest, which ended peacefully, was the
Aung San Suu Kyi and three colleagues stayed inside a van on a
roadside, 32km west of the capital, after they were stopped by the authorities.
Ms Suu Kyi was reported to be dehydrated, constipated and refusing
all comforts offered to her by the military government.
Bu the NLD said the authorities had prevented doctors from
visiting her, despite Ms Suu Kyi suffering from kidney problems and low blood
pressure.
'Parliamentary gathering'
Meanwhile, the government has still not responded to an
announcement by the NLD that it is to hold a parliamentary gathering of
A parliament was elected in 1990, but
Since then the NLD - which won more than 80% of the seats in the
1990 election - has campaigned for a return to civilian rule.
Our correspondent says that despite opposition talk, the army
remains in control, with the regime jailing, torturing and intimidating
opposition supporters.
After bloodshed 10 years ago when thousands of people are thought
to have died in clashes with the military, it was thought democracy protesters
may have been too scared to take to the streets.
Possibly in an attempt to defuse plans for protest, the military
held the first talks with members of the NLD for more than a year.
But the NLD has described the military's previous attempts at
discussion as insincere.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, August 24, 1998 Published at
11:44 GMT 12:44 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese police break up anti-government protest
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has ended her
second roadside protest against restrictions on her movements imposed by the
military government.
The thirteen-day vigil ended when the National League for
Democracy appealed for her to return to the capital,
The BBC South-East Asia correspondent says Miss Suu Kyi now faces
some important decisions about her attempts to outmanoeuvre a military regime
which appears determined to retain power.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese military seeks to justify restrictions
The Burmese military government says the travel restrictions it
has imposed on the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, are for her own safety.
It said it had banned her from going outside the capital,
A military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Hla Min said the
government had a responsibility to protect its citizens from political
violence.
He said the government was willing to negotiate with what he
termed "officially appointed" leaders of Aung San Suu Kyi's party,
the National League for Democracy, but it did not recognise her as one of them.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 1, 1998 Published at
10:20 GMT 11:20 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese authorities threaten opposition
The Burmese military government says it could not rule out
imprisoning the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, if she goes ahead with her
plan to convene a people's parliament.
Miss Suu Kyi is planning to set up the parliament in the next few
weeks as part of her campaign to restore democracy to
But a government spokesman told the BBC that the authorities
would, as he put it, do whatever was necessary to maintain national security.
In a separate interview, Aung San Suu Kyi, said members of her
opposition National League for Democracy had to be prepared to go to jail at
any time.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2, 1998 Published
at 07:30 GMT 08:30 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma students hold sit-in protest
Aung San Suu Kyi: Planning to hold civilian parliament
Up to 400 students are reported to have staged a sit-in
protest in Burma's capital Rangoon as groups opposed to the military government
step up action.
The demonstration at the
The Associated Press news agency reported that there had been no
signs of police attempting to break up the sit-in but senior teaching staff
were seen negotiating with the students.
Last month police detained a number of students after breaking up
a pro-democracy rally held by up to 1,000 students.
The demonstration followed the end of a 13-day roadside protest by
the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, against the military government's
restrictions on her movements.
Tension has been growing in
Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent long periods under house arrest,
said members of her National League for Democracy were prepared to go to go to
jail in their attempts to restore civilian rule in
Last month, Lt-General Khin Nyunt, one of the government's most
senior officers, described the NLD as "obstructionists with evil
intentions".
And speaking to the BBC, a government spokesman said that the
authorities would do "whatever was necessary to maintain national
security".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2, 1998 Published
at 17:44 GMT 18:44 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Foreign diplomats meet Burma opposition
Burmese students are continuing their protest behind campus
gates
Foreign diplomats in Rangoon have met the leader of the
National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, and several members of her
executive committee to discuss the party's plans to convene the parliament
elected in 1990, in defiance of Burma's military junta.
The meeting took place as student protests in the capital's
And in a rare interview with the BBC, a spokesman for
Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent long periods under house arrest,
said members of her National League for Democracy party were prepared to go to
go to jail in their attempts to restore civilian rule in
Senior government spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Hla Min, said the
NLD's plans could derail national security.
"We could have a lot of problems on our hands. That leaves
the government with not much choice but to prevent the from NLD taking that
stance, " the colonel said.
Hla Min said that the government found the NLD's policies
"detrimental to the interests of the man on the streets".
"The overwhelming majority of people in
"They don't see the periodical right to vote and the chance
to express their political desires openly and freely as the number one thing in
this country. That will probably come when we are at a more developed
stage," he said.
Last month, Lt-General Khin Nyunt, one of the government's most
senior officers, described the NLD as "obstructionists with evil
intentions".
Student protest ends
The biggest display of discontent with the military government in
recent years - a 500-strong student sit-in protest at
The demonstration came after last month's street protest against
authorities, the first that
It is reported that there were no signs of police attempting to
break up the sit-in, but senior teaching staff were seen negotiating with the
students.
Last month police detained a number of students after breaking up
a pro-democracy rally held by up to 1,000 students.
The demonstration followed the end of a 13-day roadside protest by
the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, against the military government's
restrictions on her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition says members arrested
The Burmese opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi says the
country's military government has arrested more than one-hundred of its
members.
The party -- the National League for Democracy -- said those
detained included fifty elected members of parliament.
It said the arrests were carried out over the past two days,
mainly outside the capital,
Correspondents say the arrests appear to be linked to last month's
announcement by the League that it planned to convene the parliament, which was
elected in 1990 but prevented from taking office.
The arrests also follow street protests against military rule last
week.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 12, 1998 Published
at 07:01 GMT 08:01 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese military detain 800 opposition
The military authorities in Burma have continued to detain members
of the opposition National League for Democracy.
In an interview with the BBC, the NLD leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
said more than seven hundred members had been held in the last few days and
reports were still coming in of further arrests throughout the country.
She said those detained included nearly two hundred members of the
parliament which was elected in 1990 but never allowed to sit.
Aung San Suu Kyi said the party remained undaunted by the
military's action and intended to go ahead with its campaign to have parliament
convened. (The NLD won a landslide victory in the 1990 elections).
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese military detain 800 opposition
The military authorities in
In an interview with the BBC, the NLD leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
said more than seven hundred members had been held in the last few days and
reports were still coming in of further arrests throughout the country.
She said those detained included nearly two hundred members of the
parliament which was elected in 1990 but never allowed to sit.
Aung San Suu Kyi said the party remained undaunted by the
military's action and intended to go ahead with its campaign to have parliament
convened. (The NLD won a landslide victory in the 1990 elections).
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Analysis:
The Burmese Government's muted response to the most serious challenge
to its authority to date has taken many observers by surprise.
In recent weeks, the State Peace and Development Council - as the
military junta is now known - has made sweeping arrests of opposition
supporters, including nearly 200 elected members of parliament from the
National League for Democracy.
The crackdown was prompted by calls from the NLD leadership to
convene the parliament, elected eight years ago but never allowed to meet.
Now the NLD has said it is setting up a 10-person committee, headed
by party leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, which will take on all the
powers and functions of parliament.
Its first move was to call for the immediate release of all
political prisoners. The committee has also pledged to annul all laws and proclamations
issued by the military authorities since they took power 10 years ago.
In response, a government statement said the SPDC had noted with
interest the NLD's decision to set up a parliament unilaterally.
But it asked how the new body planned to fulfil the
responsibilities of government. The statement said the NLD had never put
forward any serious specific measures on how it intended to govern.
Until these issues were clarified, the statement continued, the
current government would continue to shoulder the real responsibilities of
running the country.
But the statement fell short of labelling the NLD initiative as
illegal.
Analysts say the cautious response is indicative of the difficult
position the military government finds itself in.
It has already rounded up most of the NLD's politicians; to arrest
top opposition leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, would bring immediate
international protests.
Such a move could also risk provoking unrest within
But the NLD's latest move poses a serious challenge to the junta.
The legitimacy of the NLD rests on the fact that it won a resounding victory in
the 1990 elections, a result the government refused to recognise.
So its calls for parliament or a substitute to convene hits at the
very heart of the military government's tenuous claim to power.
Setting up a mini-parliament will also give the NLD a public
platform to debate issues of concern to ordinary Burmese - such as the ailing
economy and why the education system has been brought to at a virtual
standstill.
But at the same time, the leaders of the NLD are taking a serious
risk in setting up a de facto parliament. The military government has a poor
history of tolerating challenges to its rule. The next move in this Burmese
political chess game could be a crucial one - for both players.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 20, 1998 Published at
15:15 GMT 16:15 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader appeals for help
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has appealed for
international recognition and support for a committee set up to represent
members of parliament who were elected in 1990 but never allowed to take their
seats.
Many members of the parliament have been arrested in recent days
along with other opposition supporters.
In a tape smuggled out of
She said all laws passed by the current military government were
inavlid until approved by the parliament. The opposition National League for
Democracy says eight-hundred of its activisits have been arrested since May.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 21, 1998 Published at
00:16 GMT 01:16 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader appeals for help
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has appealed for
international recognition and support for a committee set up to represent
members of parliament who were elected in 1990 but never allowed to take their
seats.
Many members of the parliament have been arrested in recent days
along with other opposition supporters.
In a tape smuggled out of
She said all laws passed by the current military government were
inavlid until approved by the parliament. The opposition National League for
Democracy says eight-hundred of its activisits have been arrested since May.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 30, 1998 Published
at 11:35 GMT 12:35 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese regime stages mass rally against Suu Kyi
The Burmese military government has organised another mass rally
to protest against the National League for Democracy, or NLD, and to call for
the deportation of its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Burmese state media reported that twenty-thousand people gathered
at a sports stadium in Monywa to hear speakers condemn the NLD for encouraging
economic sanctions against
The government has recently been steeping up pressure on the NLD
-- this is the third similar rally in a week and the NLD says more than a
thousand of its members have now been detained since it called on the
government to convene parliament.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, October 19, 1998 Published at
09:31 GMT 10:31 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
British 'infatuated' with Suu Kyi, says Burma
Burma has accused the British government of being infatuated with
the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and says London seeks to
promote her cause at any cost.
The charge was made in a letter from
It follows a call for a further tightening of sanctions against
The ambassador said tighter sanctions would be blunt and immoral
and hurt only the poorest in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, November 23, 1998 Published at
11:09 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader speaks out
The leader of the Burmese National League for Democracy, Aung San
Suu Kyi, says recent mass resignations from her party have been forced by the
military government.
Aung San Suu Kyi, in her first public apprearance for two months,
told journalists and diplomats in
She vowed to continue her campaign for a parliament to be convened
of elected representatives.
At the weekend, a Burmese military spokesman said all those who
had resigned from the NLD had done so voluntarily, having seen the error of
their ways during extended visits to government guest houses.
Several hundred party members remain in detention.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aung San Suu Kyi is for many, a living embodiment of the
fight for human freedoms.
The BBC's Sue Lloyd-Roberts visited her in
It is absurd the lengths you have to go to today to meet with
I set off from my hotel at 5.00 in the morning, advised by her
friends to dress like a local which means a long skirt they call a lunghi and
flip-flops, not ideal for navigating one's way through
The plot was to get to the house where I was due to meet her
before dawn and therefore before the military intelligence officers had taken
up their positions outside.
The men from MI routinely surround any of the houses which she is
likely to visit but, fortunately, unlike me, they are not into pre-dawn
arrivals.
All went according to plan until Aung San Suu Kyi herself arrived
some five hours later.
"Oh no," she said, looking at the way I had tied my
lunghi which is a length of cloth sewn together and tied at the waist.
"That's not the way to do it." She proceeded to strip me down and
start again - it was not the first time I was to be stripped that day.
She has had a terrible year.
Hundreds more supporters of her National League for Democracy
party have been arrested. Her attempts to leave
There are army checkpoints along the street leading to her home
and her phone has been cut off.
Does this mean the opposition in
"Certainly not," she said. "I mean if we did not
have the support of the people, they would not have to keep on arresting us,
would they?
"If we were no threat they would leave us alone."
I am not a particularly large person but alongside Aung San Suu
Kyi, I feel huge. It never ceases to amaze me when I meet her how much fight
and determination can be contained in this tiny, doll like figure.
She expresses frustration with the people of
Those who dare, tell you, while looking over their shoulder, that
they love the woman they call "The Lady" but they are afraid.
There have been too many arrests and people's strength has been
sapped by economic hardship.
Ten years of waiting
It has been ten years since the last mass anti government
demonstration in
Does she not expect too much from the people, given the risks?
"We all have to pay a high price for freedom", she said.
And, I ask, I suppose you with your self imposed exile from your
family in
"I would not be so presumptuous as to call it
sacrifice," she almost snaps back.
"I am doing this because I want to. I believe in what I am
doing."
But she looks painfully vulnerable and isolated and her situation
looks increasingly hopeless. I have this sudden vision of her, in thirty years
time, still living in her home on the edge of Lake Inya, even more isolated
from her friends and family, the generals are still in charge and her only
visitors are passing journalists and biographers.
Will it all have been worth it? Will she ever inherit
But that, I was told by one of her friends, is to miss the point.
On this, the eve of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, Aung San Suu Kyi is the
living symbol of the spirit of that worthy declaration.
She may not expect to inherit
But that is to take a very pessimistic view of
I am told by a Burmese monk that what we are seeing is a battle
between good and evil and good is bound to triumph.
A general of one of the rebel armies reminds me that a look back
at history proves that military regimes always fall in the end.
The underground leaders in
Deportation
After I have left Suu Kyi, I am arrested, strip searched and
deported from the country.
In the car on the way to the airport my guard says in a loud
voice: "You have done a terrible thing, visiting this evil woman".
But he is speaking for the benefit of the driver.
Under his breath, he mumbles, "I am so sorry, I am so
sorry".
Maybe there is hope.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, December 27, 1998 Published at
09:58 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese military accuse Aung San Suu Kyi of empty gestures
The military government in Burma has accused the opposition
leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, of empty political gestures and trying to seek
publicity.
It was responding to a statement last week by Mrs Suu Kyi that the
authorities might deport her.
The government urged her party, the National League for Democracy,
to be more constructive and to help
Correspondents say there's been a campaign in the official Burmese
media questioning whether Mrs Suu Kyi is still entitled to Burmese nationality,
because she's married to a British citizen.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, January 12, 1999 Published at
13:33 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu sues
The National League for Democracy in Burma says it has started
legal action against a leading figure in the military government,
Lieutenant-general Khin Nyunt.
The NLD said in a statement the action accuses Khin Nyunt of arbitrarily
arresting party members and coercing them to resign from the NLD.
Last weekend the government-controlled press said that the Burmese
military authorities were considering whether to arrest the NLD leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, on charges of making contact with illegal groups, including Karen
guerrillas.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Published
at 11:43 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese democracy leader dismisses defections
The leader of Burma's National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu
Kyi, says the party has not been damaged by the resignation of several hundred
of its members.
She told the BBC that they were a tiny proportion of the party's
members.
She added that they had never been active in the organisation.
Aung San Suu Kyi also accused the government of reporting the
resignation of people who had never been members of the party.
The National League for Democracy has started a lawsuit against
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 3, 1999 Published at
16:21 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition politicans detained
The government says it is being "cautious" to
prevent renewed unrest
The leader of the Burmese opposition Aung San Suu Kyi says
more than 145 of her party's members have been detained by the government in a
series of recent roundups.
As
Aung San Suu Kyi says that a number of members of the National
League for Democracy have been held at so-called government guesthouses where
they were persuaded to resign from the party.
The government denies putting pressure on opposition politicians
but the statement from Miss Suu Kyi is unlikely to better the already battered
image of the Burmese government overseas.
'Stability and prosperity'
The country's newly appointed Foreign Minister Win Aung says it is
the government's responsibility to protect
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Win Aung said the NLD
leadership had slandered government efforts to bring stability and prosperity
to the country.
He said the universities, closed for much of the past decade,
would reopen "as soon as possible".
The foreign minister said they had been closed because the
students had been "misused" by political forces "to rally and
bring down the government".
He said many outsiders misunderstood the situation in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 3, 1999 Published at
16:21 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition politicans detained
The government says it is being "cautious" to
prevent renewed unrest
The leader of the Burmese opposition Aung San Suu Kyi says
more than 145 of her party's members have been detained by the government in a
series of recent roundups.
As
Aung San Suu Kyi says that a number of members of the National
League for Democracy have been held at so-called government guesthouses where
they were persuaded to resign from the party.
The government denies putting pressure on opposition politicians
but the statement from Miss Suu Kyi is unlikely to better the already battered
image of the Burmese government overseas.
'Stability and prosperity'
The country's newly appointed Foreign Minister Win Aung says it is
the government's responsibility to protect
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Win Aung said the NLD
leadership had slandered government efforts to bring stability and prosperity
to the country.
He said the universities, closed for much of the past decade,
would reopen "as soon as possible".
The foreign minister said they had been closed because the
students had been "misused" by political forces "to rally and
bring down the government".
He said many outsiders misunderstood the situation in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, March 4, 1999 Published at
13:57 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi rejects 'unity at gunpoint'
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says negotiation
with the military dictatorship which rules Burma is unavoidable.
She told the BBC said that situations like
"The more intelligent people get to the negotiation table
quicker because they know that it is unavoidable, the less intelligent people
think that they can avoid it," she said in an exclusive interview with the
BBC's David Willis.
On Wednesday the NLD leader announced that 145 members of her
party have been detained by the government and persuaded to resign from the
party. Ms Suu Kyi told David Willis this is part of a 10-year process of
intimidation of her party.
"The important thing is that none of these resignations are
valid because there is no parliament to which they can submit their
resignation," she said.
The NLD won elections in
Disunity and NLD
On Wednesday, the new Foreign Minister Win Aung told the BBC that
there must be order and unity in
The NLD stands accused by the government of trying to wreck that
unity and slandering government efforts to bring stability and prosperity to
the country. Ms Suu Kyi said unity is something that comes only after a process
of settling differences.
"What exactly do they mean by unity? If they think that unity
can be imposed by intimidating people by guns they are very much mistaken.
Unity is something that comes from within."
Win Aung also said the
Ms Suu Kyi responded that the universities are unlikely to re-open
any time soon.
"The government, the present military authorities are nervous
of the students and they know that the students have a lot to be dissatisfied
about."
Finally, when asked what the NLD's plans are for the next few
months, Ms Suu Kyi would not commit herself.
"We never talk about our future plans," she said with a
smile. "That would be too dangerous."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, March 17, 1999 Published at
21:08 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Husband of Burma's Suu Kyi has cancer
It's been confirmed that Michael Aris, the British husband of the
Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is seriously ill with cancer.
Requests to the Burmese military authorities to grant him a visa
so he could visit his wife have not been answered.
Previous requests in the past three years by Mr Aris to be allowed
into
Correspondents say Aung San Suu Kyi is unlikely to wish to leave
the country for fear the military government would prevent her from returning.
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her courage in
standing up to the military regime. Suu Kyi's party, the National League for
Democracy, won the1990 general election by a landslide, but the generals who
had seized power two years earlier ignored the results.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 19, 1999 Published at
01:29 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
US urges Burmese authorities to grant Aris visa
The United States government has urged the Burmese authorities to
grant a visitor's visa to the British husband of the opposition leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, Michael Aris.
It suggested it would be better for Aung San Suu Kyi to travel to
Dr Aris has not been allowed to visit
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 19, 1999 Published at
14:57 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
US urges Burma to grant Suu Kyi request
Aung San Suu Kyi's husband has often been denied visits to
Burma
The United States has urged the Burmese authorities to grant
a visitor's visa to the British husband of the opposition leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, Michael Aris.
A statement from the Burmese Government said: "The government
of
Correspondents say Aung San Suu Kyi is unlikely to wish to leave
the country for fear the military government would prevent her from
returning.
The government said it would provide Ms Suu Kyi "all possible
assistance" to join her husband. But it did not say if she would be
allowed to return if she did so.
The statement went on to say that considering Dr Aris's medical
condition, a trip to
Visa requests turned down
Previous visa requests in the past three years by Dr Aris to be
allowed into
Since Mr Aris' diagnosis a few months ago there have been numerous
appeals to the Burmese Government to grant a visa on humanitarian grounds.
These have come from
His family say he is anxious to visit his wife before he dies.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the man who led
Although the NLD overwhelmingly won the 1990 general elections,
the generals ignored the results.
Since Aung San Suu Kyi was released in 1995 after almost six years
of house arrest, she has remained the military rulers' major political
opponent.
The military authorities have often accused Aung San Suu Kyi of
being a pawn of Western imperialism because of her marriage to a British
citizen.
Sources close to the family say they
hope Michael Aris's illness will be treated as a family matter with compassion
and not used for political purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 26, 1999 Published at
10:54 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma softens stance on Suu Kyi
The Burmese government has said it's prepared to allow the
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to visit her seriously ill husband in
Britain, and then return to Burma.
A government statement said it saw no difficulty in Miss Suu Kyi
coming back to
A government spokesman told the Reuters news agency that a senior
military officier had tried to tell her of the decision earlier today, but she
had refused to listen.
Correspondents say Aung San Suu Kyi has been concerned that if she
left
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 26, 1999 Published at
11:27 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi 'can return after UK visit'
Aung San Suu Kyi: Fears leaving Burma
The military government of Burma has said it sees "no
difficulty" in prominent opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi returning to
the country after visiting her dying husband in the UK.
Ms Suu Kyi is believed to be unwilling to leave
This is the first time the authorities have expressly stated that
they are not opposed to her return.
Her British husband, Michael Aris, was diagnosed as terminally ill
with cancer several months ago and is anxious to see his wife before he dies.
A Burmese Government spokesman said her visit would be acceptable
as long as it was not used for political purposes.
"The government of Myanmar [Burma] sees no difficulty for Ms
Suu Kyi in returning back to Myanmar after her visit to see her husband, believing
that the trip be purely humanitarian and one of a family affair in
nature," he said.
'Pawn of Western imperialism'
But the spokesman said that a military officer who delivered the
message to Ms Suu Kyi had been cut short and she had not allowed him to finish
the message.
The government will reportedly deliver a full statement on the
decision later.
Aung San Suu Kyi - the daughter of the man who led
Although the NLD overwhelmingly won the 1990 general elections,
the country's military leaders ignored the results.
Ms Suu Kyi remains the military government's major political
opponent, despite spending almost six years under house arrest. She was
released in 1995.
The military authorities have often accused her of being a pawn of
Western imperialism because of her marriage to a British citizen.
Mr Aris has made repeated applications to visit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, March 26, 1999 Published at
11:56 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi rejects UK visit offer
Aung San Suu Kyi: Fears leaving Burma
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is reported to have
rejected an offer by the military government of Burma allowing her to return to
the country after visiting her dying husband in the UK.
Ms Suu Kyi is believed to be unwilling to leave
The authorities have actively encouraged her to visit her husband,
but this was the first time that have expressly stated they would not oppose
her return.
Her British husband, Michael Aris, was diagnosed as terminally ill
with prostate cancer several months ago and is anxious to see his wife before
he dies.
A Burmese Government spokesman said her visit would be acceptable
as long as it was not used for political purposes.
"The government of Myanmar [Burma] sees no difficulty for Ms
Suu Kyi in returning back to Myanmar after her visit to see her husband,
believing that the trip be purely humanitarian and one of a family affair in
nature," he said.
'Pawn of Western imperialism'
But military officers who delivered the offer to Ms Suu Kyi were
reportedly cut short and not allowed to finish the message.
"Regretfully, she refused the government's offer and the
discussion abruptly ended with the officers [told] to leave her
residence," the spokesman said.
Aung San Suu Kyi - the daughter of the man who led
Although the NLD overwhelmingly won the 1990 general elections,
the country's military leaders ignored the results.
Ms Suu Kyi remains the military government's major political
opponent, despite spending almost six years under house arrest. She was
released in 1995.
The military authorities have often accused her of being a pawn of
Western imperialism because of her marriage to a British citizen.
Mr Aris has made repeated applications to visit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 27, 1999 Published at
13:44 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Obituary: A courageous and patient man
Michael Aris: Understood the Burmese people came first
Michael Aris, the husband of the Burmese opposition leader,
Aung San Suu Kyi, has died of prostate cancer on his 53rd birthday.
The British academic succumbed after a long illness without
realising his wish to see his wife one last time.
Described as a "courageous and patient man", Dr Aris has
campaigned tirelessly for Burmese democracy and received hundreds of awards on
his wife's behalf.
They included the Nobel Peace Prize she was given in 1991 for her
efforts to bring peace and democracy to
A senior research fellow in Tibetan and Himalayan studies at St
Antony's College,
The establishment of
Visa denied
Dr Aris was born in
He married Ms Suu Kyi on New Year's Day 1972 in a simply Buddhist
ceremony in
They have two sons, Kim and Alexander.
In the final months of his life, Dr Aris repeatedly attempted to
gain a visa to visit his wife in
Ms Suu Kyi declined to leave the country after her return there to
nurse her mother in 1988, for fear that she would not be readmitted.
Five brief visits
She was placed under house arrest by
Mr Aris had only seen his wife on five brief occasions in the last
10 years - the last being in
Appeals by several countries, prominent individuals and
organisations were made to the Burmese authorities to allow Mr Aris a visa.
The
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi's husband dies
Aung San Suu Kyi: Committed political leader
The husband of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
has died at a hospital in Oxfordshire.
Michael Aris was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer several
months ago. He died on his 53rd birthday.
Dr Aris - a senior research fellow of Tibetan and Himalayan
studies at St Antony's College,
They last saw each other three years ago.
Ms Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, released a
brief statement through diplomats after learning of her husband's death.
"On behalf of my sons, Alexander and Kim, as well as on my
own behalf, I want to thank all those around the world who have supported my
husband during his illness and have given me and my family love and
sympathy," the statement said.
Ms Suu Kyi was with friends and diplomats when she learned of her
husband's death.
Visas denied
The couple married in 1972 after they met while she was a student
at
In 1988 she returned to
After her return, the Burmese authorities stalled and repeatedly
denied Mr Aris's visa requests, insisting that Ms Suu Kyi "who is in
perfect health" should travel to see him.
On Friday she received an offer by the Burmese authorities
allowing her to visit her husband in the
'Pawn of Western imperialism'
Ms Suu Kyi, whose father, General Aung San, led
Although the NLD overwhelmingly won the 1990 general elections,
the country's military leaders have ignored the results.
Ms Suu Kyi remains the military government's major political
opponent, despite spending almost six years under house arrest. She was
released in 1995.
The military authorities have often accused her of being a pawn of
Western imperialism because of her marriage to a British citizen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi's husband dies
Aung San Suu Kyi: Committed political leader
The husband of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi
has died at a hospital in Oxfordshire.
Michael Aris was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer several
months ago. He died on his 53rd birthday.
Dr Aris - a senior research fellow of Tibetan and Himalayan
studies at St Antony's College,
They last saw each other three years ago.
Ms Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, released a
brief statement through diplomats after learning of her husband's death.
"On behalf of my sons, Alexander and Kim, as well as on my
own behalf, I want to thank all those around the world who have supported my
husband during his illness and have given me and my family love and
sympathy," the statement said.
Ms Suu Kyi was with friends and diplomats when she learned of her
husband's death.
Visas denied
The couple married in 1972 after they met while she was a student
at
In 1988 she returned to
After her return, the Burmese authorities stalled and repeatedly
denied Mr Aris's visa requests, insisting that Ms Suu Kyi "who is in
perfect health" should travel to see him.
On Friday she received an offer by the Burmese authorities
allowing her to visit her husband in the
'Pawn of Western imperialism'
Ms Suu Kyi, whose father, General Aung San, led
Although the NLD overwhelmingly won the 1990 general elections,
the country's military leaders have ignored the results.
Ms Suu Kyi remains the military government's major political
opponent, despite spending almost six years under house arrest. She was
released in 1995.
The military authorities have often accused her of being a pawn of
Western imperialism because of her marriage to a British citizen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, March 28, 1999 Published at
09:08 GMT
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi offered funeral visa
Aung San Suu Kyi: In mourning
Burma has offered to grant a visa to opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi so that she can attend the funeral of her British husband, Michael
Aris.
The military government said she would be given permission to
leave
But the
Secretary of State Madeline Albright said
Mrs Albright added: "[Dr Aris] sacrificed the companionship
of his beloved wife for 10 years so that she could stand with her people in
Visa refusal
Dr Aris applied for a visa to visit his wife, who he had last seen
three years ago, after being diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
The Burmese authorities turned down his request but said Mrs Suu
Kyi could visit him in
She refused fearing she would not be allowed to return to
A spokesman said: "[The government] stands ready in providing
Mrs Suu Kyi with all possible assistance if she desires to travel to
But it is thought that she is unlikely to go, again for fear of
not being allowed to return to
Mrs Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, rose to
political prominence during a national uprising in 1998.
She emerged as the leader of the movement against political rule.
In 1990, her NLD political party overwhelmingly won a general election but the
result was ignored by the military rulers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, March 29, 1999 Published at
15:10 GMT 16:10 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi 'refuses funeral visa'
Aung San Suu Kyi on the BBC before her husband's death
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will not accept
an offer from the military government to allow her to travel to the UK for her
husband's funeral.
Reports say she does not believe she would be allowed back into
Her husband, Michael Aris, died on Saturday - his 53rd birthday -
from prostate cancer.
He had been refused a visa to
Mrs Suu Kyi declined an visa offer from the authorities to see him
alive for the last time in the
She said she did not believe a government guarantee that she would
be allowed to return to
Her friends say she still does not think the government will allow
her back into
Years of separation
Dr Aris, an academic at
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said: "Dr Aris
sacrificed the companionship of his beloved wife for 10 years so she could
stand with her people in
The Burmese authorities said it would have been irresponsible and
inhumane to let Dr Aris travel in his condition, and recommended that she
visited him.
But correspondents have cited past occasions when the government
did not honour pledges to Mrs Suu Kyi.
These include a pledge to recognise the result of 1990 national
elections, which her party won by a landslide.
A Buddhist funeral ceremony will take place at the Suu Kyi
residence in
The Aris family said there would be a private funeral service in
the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 2, 1999 Published at
08:17 GMT 09:17 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
A thousand mourners join Aung San Suu Kyi
More than one-thousand people have joined the leader of the
Burmese National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, at her home in Rangoon
for a Buddhist ceremony to mark the seventh day of mourning for her late
husband, Michael Aris.
He died in a
Mr Aris, a professor of Tibetan studies at
Correspondents say it was one of the largest gatherings at Suu
Kyi's home since her release from house arrest four years ago.
Diplomats from the
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 2, 1999 Published at
11:29 GMT 12:29 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Buddhist ceremony for Suu Kyi's husband
Dr Aris had not seen his wife for three years
More than 1,000 people gathered at the home of the Burmese
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on Friday, for a religious ceremony to
honour her late husband, Dr Michael Aris.
Chanted rites were led by 53 Buddhist monks.
Professor Aris died in
Refused visa
The Burmese authorities had refused to grant him a visa to visit
Aung San Suu Kyi in
The military government said it did not have the medical
facilities to care for a terminally ill patient, and urged Mrs Suu Kyi to
travel to
Mrs Suu Kyi decided against travelling to the
Dr Aris, an
After Dr Aris died, Mrs Suu Kyi said she had been privileged to
have had a "wonderful" husband who had always given her
understanding.
She also turned down an offer from the government to help her
travel to
Security forces made no attempt to stop the hundreds of mourners
who entered the compound to attend Friday's Buddhist rites ceremony, although
police took their names and addresses.
Diplomats
The ceremony marked the seventh day of mourning for Dr Aris.
Ambassadors and other diplomats from the
The only South-East Asian nation to send a diplomat was the
Other mourners included veteran members of
Kyi Maung, former Vice Chairman of Mrs Suu Kyi's political party,
the National League for Democracy (NLD), was also there.
Aung San Suu Kyi made no public statement at the ceremony, nor did
she speak to supporters, although she did shake hands with several diplomats.
Mourners brought bouquets and wreaths and signed books of
condolence.
'Support still strong'
Mrs Suu Kyi is locked in political stalemate with the Burmese
Government, which has said that more than 10,000 NLD members have voluntarily
resigned.
She says that many of the resignations were bogus or coerced under
threats from soldiers, and that support for her party is still strong.
The death of Dr Aris was also marked in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, April 9, 1999 Published at
11:32 GMT 12:32 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader calls for human rights
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has urged the
United Nations to take action after what she called the worst year of
repression in Burma for almost a decade.
In a recorded message to the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights, meeting in
Miss Suu Kyi said more than one hundred and fifty elected members
of parliament, along with many ordinary members of her National League for
Democracy, were still in detention.
Aung San Suu Kyi said the world had not fully grasped the extent
of the oppression by the military regime. The BBC south-east
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World: Asia-Pacific
'Bad year for
Aung San Suu Kyi told the UN that oppression had become worse
By
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, says the human
rights situation in the country has deteriorated sharply in the past year, and
has urged the international community to exert greater pressure on the military
government.
Ms Suu Kyi's comments came in a secretly-recorded message to the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which is holding its annual meeting
in
Thanks for support
Aung San Suu Kyi expressed gratitude for the support the outside
world had given to the Burmese opposition and to its campaign to restore
democratic rule. But she said the world had not fully grasped the extent of the
oppression being carried out by the military regime.
Many members of the National League for Democracy had been
detained, she said, along with over 150 elected deputies from the aborted 1990
election in which the NLD won a big majority.
The party, Ms Suu Kyi said, had suffered far more in the past 12
months than it had in the previous six or seven years put together.
Call for action
"What we need now is more than just mere words," Miss
Suu Kyi said.
"We need concrete action, because our people are suffering
not just from an onslaught of words, but from the deprivation of basic justice
in our country."
The NLD leader urged this week's session of the Human Rights
Commission in
Ms Suu Kyi's call comes amid continued
political deadlock in the country. It is sure to further enrage a regime whose
hardline strategy against dissent was again on display last month, when it
denied Miss Suu Kyi's dying husband, Michael Aris, a visa that would have
allowed him a final reunion with his wife.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 3, 1999 Published at 01:46
GMT 02:46 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burma's opposition shows split
Aung San Suu Kyi has come under fire from her own party
By South East Asia Correspondent Simon Ingram
There are signs of dissent within the ranks of
Last month parliamentary members of the National League for
Democracy issued a statement calling for renewed attempts to begin dialogue
with the military government. They were implicitly critical of the strategy
adopted by the internationally respected party leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Now the NLD has issued a sharply worded riposte, accusing the
party critics of being lackeys of the military.
The letter, signed by 25 NLD MPs, is an unusually forthright
indictment of the party's recent political strategy and, implicitly at least,
an attack on Miss Suu Kyi.
It was Miss Suu Kyi, who, last year, sought to raise the stakes in
the NLD's long-running confrontation with the military government by demanding
the convening of the parliament elected in 1990 - an election the military
never recognised.
According to the letter, her call backfired disastrously,
encouraging the government to begin the systematic dismantling of the NLD
leadership, detaining hundreds of people and forcing many to resign their party
membership.
'Lackeys' of the military
At least one of the signatories, Than Tun, has voiced criticism of
the NLD leadership before. His outburst this time has brought a fierce
response. A statement issued by the NLD leadership singled out Than Tun and two
other signatories, all three of whom were temporarily detained by the
authorities, denouncing them as lackeys of Burmese military intelligence. It
accused them of attempting to sow disunity within NLD ranks.
The call for dialogue with the regime is not new. In an interview
last week Miss Suu Kyi herself predicted an eventual return to the negotiating
table. The sticking-point has been her personal participation - something the
regime adamantly opposes. In the long months of stalemate, other criticism of
her stand has been heard, not least from foreign investors and some Western
diplomats.
But although this outburst is likely to be seized on by the
military, there is little suggestion that her standing at the head of the party
is under serious challenge.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 12, 1999 Published at
19:06 GMT 20:06 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi's message of defiance
Aung San Suu Kyi says life in Burma is like a battlefield
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has issued a
defiant anti-government message in a video-taped interview smuggled out of her
country.
Ms Suu Kyi's latest attack on the military junta that rules her
country accuses them of repeatedly violating human rights.
The tape is due to be played at a peace conference being held this
week in the
In it, she describes the suppression that still grips her country,
almost 11 years after a brutal military crackdown on pro-democracy
demonstrators in which thousands died.
Routine abuse
She says that because of almost routine human rights abuses, life
in modern
"When we talk about peace, we can not avoid talking about
basic human rights, especially in a country like
"In our country, there are many races living together, but we
have not been able to live together in peace because the situation doesn't
exist where we can trust each other."
Locked in stalemate
Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, has been
locked in political stalemate with the Burmese Government since it won an
overwhelming victory in national elections held in 1990.
The junta refused to recognise the result and held Ms Suu Kyi
under house arrest for more than six years.
Since then, hundreds of NLD supporters and elected MPs have been
detained by the authorities and Ms Suu Skyi's movements are constantly
monitored by the authorities.
The video is first such statement released by Ms Suu Kyi since the
death of her husband, Dr Michael Aris, last month.
Dr Aris, who had been suffering from cancer, was denied a visa to
pay a final visit to his wife before his death.
Ms Suu Kyi decided against travelling to the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, May 27, 1999 Published at
11:38 GMT 12:38 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Nobel winner marks Burma's annulled election
The Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has delivered a
speech to a gathering of about five-hundred supporters to mark the ninth
anniversary of Burma's election which was annulled by the military regime.
Her party, the National League for Democracy, won the 1990
election by a huge margin but the military has never let the parliament meet.
Meanwhile a senior member of the military government,
Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, used the anniversary to say
He again said that the administration is laying the foundation for
the establishment of a democratic system.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 19, 1999 Published at
10:26 GMT 11:26 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi appeal to Burmese women
The leader of Burma's biggest political party, Aung San Suu Kyi,
has called on the women of Burma to work together and fight for democracy.
In a message marking Women's Day -- an unofficial holiday created
by her supporters -- Aung San Suu Kyi said it was no longer possible for
housewives to keep out of politics, because politics had invaded the
traditional domain of housewives.
She said that the root cause of rising food and electricity prices
and increased costs of education and health care was political.
Correspondents say Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly blamed the
Burmese military government, which spends nearly half its budget on defence,
for econnomic mismanagement and deepening poverty.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 19, 1999 Published at
08:00 GMT 09:00 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese opposition leader makes rare appearance
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has made a rare
public appearance in the capital, Rangoon, to commemorate the anniversary of
the assasination of her father, the hero of the country's independence
struggle, General Aung San.
Miss Suu Kyi paid her respects in the Buddhist tradition at a
mausoleum built in honour of Gen Aung San and most of his cabinet who were
murdered in 1947.
Reports say the mausoleum was closed to the public during her
visit.
Official newspapers controlled by the military regime have used
the holiday known as Martyr's Day to criticise Miss Suu Kyi, describing her as
a traitor.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 19, 1999 Published at
11:45 GMT 12:45 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi makes rare public appearance
Aung San Suu Kyi: a "traitor" according to the
state press
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi has made a rare public appearance in the capital, Rangoon, to commemorate
the anniversary of the assassination of her father, the hero of the country's
independence struggle.
In the only event of the year where Miss Suu Kyi is allowed to
take part in official ceremonies, she arrived at the concrete Martyrs Mausoleum
at the foot of Rangoon's gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in a black sedan.
The mausoleum was built in honour of Gen Aung San, who was murdered
in 1947, along with most of his cabinet.
Miss Suu Kyi bowed in front of her father's tomb and set down
three baskets of purple and white orchids.
Reports say the mausoleum was closed to the public during her
visit.
She later arrived at the headquarters of her National League for
Democracy, where she was welcomed by 400 supporters.
She made no speech, but Tin Oo, the party vice-chairman, read a
nine-page statement urging the military government to engage in dialogue.
'Traitor'
For the third consecutive year, official newspapers conspicuously
abandoned a tradition of marking the holiday, known as Martyrs Day, with a
special page on the life of Gen Aung San.
Instead, newspapers controlled by the military regime have used
the holiday to criticise Miss Suu Kyi, describing her as a traitor.
The New Light of Myanmar, which regularly demonises Aung San Suu
Kyi in its pages, called on her party, the National League for Democracy, to
dump her, saying she had sold sold herself and the country to foreigners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 19, 1999 Published at
17:00 GMT 18:00 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese foreign minister in Bangladesh
The Burmese foreign minister, Win Aung, has said that a political
settlement with the opposition National League for Democracy was possible if
its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, softened her stance.
Mr Win said a middle ground will have to be found in ending the
political dispute.
He was speaking in Dhaka at the end of a three-day visit to
Bangladesh.
Mr Win also said his government was keen to pursue the
repatriation of Burmese Rohingya refugees living in refugee camps in Bangladesh
but didn't have a timetable for when the process would be completed.
Bangladesh has called for Burma to take back the refugees - who
number more than twenty thousand - this year but Rangoon has only agreed to
take back seven thousand.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 24, 1999 Published at
09:53 GMT 10:53 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese democracy leader backs dissidents
The leader of the opposition National League for Democracy in
Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, has refused to condemn dissidents who have called for
an uprising next month.
In an interview with the French news agency AFP, she said that
although her party had not been involved in the dissidents' campaign, it would
never disown its allies who fought for democracy. The NLD won elections held in
1990 but the military junta refused to allow it to form a government. Aung San
Suu Kyi also accused the military government of using the dissidents' campaign
as a pretext for clamping down on security throughout the country.
The Burmese military authorities said last week that they had
arrested more than thirty people in connection with the dissident movement. The
movement is calling for an uprising on the ninth of September 1999, a date
which they refer to as the day of the four nines.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 8, 1999 Published
at 10:35 GMT 11:35 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Burmese pro-democracy leader calls for sanctions
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has made
another appeal for international action against the military government.
In a video-recorded statement smuggled out of Burma, Aung San Suu
Kyi describes the country as a huge prison and calls on the European Union, the
United States and the rest of the world to help the cause of democracy by
imposing economic sanctions.
Her statement comes just days before the ninth of September, the
date on which pro-democracy campaigners outside Burma have called for an
uprising against the authorities.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 7, 1999 Published at
11:30 GMT 12:30 UK
World: Asia-Pacific
Suu Kyi's message of support for Timor
Aung San Suu Kyi: "Great sense of empathy "
The Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Aung San Suu Kyi has sent a message of support to the East Timorese people.
In a videotaped interview smuggled out of Burma, the pro-democracy
campaigner compared the situation faced by her supporters in Burma to the
crisis in East Timor.
" We feel a great sense of empathy for the people of East
Timor," she said. "As fellow human beings, we don't like to see
people so ill-treated and so unjustly crushed in their own land."
Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD),
scored an overwhelming victory in elections held in Burma in 1990.
However, in a move she says has strong parallels with the recent
violence in East Timor, Burma's military government refused to recognise the
result and detained hundreds of opposition activists including Ms Suu Kyi
herself.
Militia violence
August's massive vote in favour of independence in East Timor was
followed by weeks of violence in which pro-Indonesian militias went on the
rampage supported by Indonesian troops.
Those opponents of East Timorese independence, Ms Suu Kyi said,
had "tried to overturn the result of the election in one fell swoop. [But]
the world became aware of it and would not stand for it."
"I think they should understand that what happened in Burma
is no different than what happened in East Timor," she said, "only it
was implemented in the rather different way so that it's less noticeable."
She went on to express her admiration for the former East Timorese
rebel leader Xanana Gusmao, who was released from jail in Jakarta last month.
She said she felt Mr Gusmao was "a personal friend",
although the two have never met, and thanked him for his words of support. She
added that she hoped "the time will come when we can all work together to
promote democracy and human rights in Asia and the rest of the world."
Mr Gusmao is widely expected to become the first president of an
independent East Timor.
Ms Suu Kyi was officially freed after six years in house arrest
in1995, but says she will not leave Burma as if she did so it is unlikely the
Burmese government would allow her to return.
Her movements and those of her fellow NLD members remain heavily
restricted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 31 December, 1999, 16:19 GMT
Millennium appeal for Burma
Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has appealed for Asian nations, led by
Japan, to press for democracy in Burma in the new millennium.
The Burmese opposition leader said her
greatest hope for 2000 was for people to live at last "free from
fear" after 37 years of military rule.
"People wake up in the morning wondering which of their
friends have been taken into detention by the authorities,'' she said in a
videotaped New Year message smuggled out of the country.
''They wake up in the morning wondering
what the future of their children will be and worrying about it.
"I think for me ... the great hope
for the millennium [is] that we must be free from want and fear, not just the
people of Burma, but people all over the world."
Plea to Japan
Ms Suu Kyi's National League for
Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in the 1990 general elections, but the
military refused to hand over power.
In her millennium message to be delivered
at a New Year's eve rally in Hong Kong, she called for greater support from
Asian nations.
And she urged Japan "to take a
strong stand in the battle for democracy" in Burma.
"As the richest Asian country and as
a democracy, Japan has a duty to try to promote human rights and democracy in
other parts of Asia," Ms Suu Kyi said.
"We hope that 2000 will see a
blossoming of Japanese interest."
Japan, once a major donor to Burma,
recently offered much-needed aid to the military regime if it made political
and economic reforms.
But the military has remained adamant it
will not make political concessions in return for foreign assistance.
Sanctions
A series of high level meetings between
the two countries has raised concerns among democracy activists that Tokyo may
be breaking ranks from international efforts to pressure the generals towards
democracy.
Burma is subject to US sanctions because
of its human rights record, while the European Union bars visits by senior
government officials.
Hundreds of members of Ms Suu Kyi's party have been imprisoned and thousands pressured to resign from the NLD since the 1990 election.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 5 April, 2000, 14:17 GMT
15:17 UK
Suu Kyi warns on Burma future
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, says the
country's military government is sacrificing future generations of Burmese by
denying them access to education.
In a secretly taped message to the UN Human Rights Commission she
said human rights abuses, including the closure of universities, were
increasing despite international condemnation.
Aung San Suu Kyi has warned that Burma is being divided into two
-- a privileged military elite and victims of injustice. Her party, the
National League for Democracy, won elections in 1990 which the military has
refused to recognise. Reports from the Thai capital, Bankgok, quoted a Burmese
government official saying Ms Suu Kyi was making symbolic gestures to attract
attention, and urging her party to act in a more constructive way.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 11 April, 2000, 12:16 GMT
13:16 UK
UN Envoy to meet Suu Kyi
The United Nations special envoy to Burma says he's to meet the
pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, during a planned visit to the country next
month.
Razali Ismail, who has just been appointed to the post, said a
concerted and coordinated effort was needed to end Burma's isolation.
He declined to comment on whether human rights would be discussed.
The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on announcing Mr Razali's
appointment, said he hoped it would lead to the implementation of a UN
resolution which calls for Burma's military government to halt human rights
violations.
The government denies such abuses.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 26 May, 2000, 18:29 GMT 19:29
UK
Burma: 10 years on
May 27 marks 10 years since the
election victory
By BBC Burma specialist Larry Jagan
Ten years ago, Burma's National League for Democracy (NLD)
convincingly won the elections. But military rulers refused to recognise the
results.
Little has changed since then.
Tight security is in place in Rangoon for the 10th anniversary.
The opposition say several hundred opposition members have been detained
throughout the country in the last few weeks.
This renewed crackdown on the opposition is in stark contrast to
the situation a decade ago.
Then, on Saturday 27 May, the people of Burma voted to send the
military back to the barracks when the military allowed a relatively free and
fair election.
The military had seized power two years earlier after crushing the
pro-democracy demonstrations.
The result shocked the Burmese generals. The NLD and its allies
won more than 80% of the seats, despite the intimidation of pro-democracy
candidates and Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest the year before.
The result was a clear reflection of the mood of the country.
People wanted democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi to lead the country.
New constitution
The military refused to accept the result. It first claimed it was
not an election for a parliament but an election for a national assembly to
draft a new multi-party constitution.
It took the military government more than two years to begin
drawing up the new constitution. But when the National Convention was formed,
the parliamentarians were swamped by military-appointed delegates.
As each chapter of the constitution was slowly prepared it was
clear the military authorities were carefully controlling the process.
The NLD refused to be part of this and withdrew from the National
Convention three years ago. The constitution is yet to be completed.
But what is clear is that the military wants its role to be
written into that constitution.
A quarter of the seats in the new parliament are to be reserved
for the military, and the president must have had military experience, and
therefore be a former general.
Siege mentality
Over the past decade, the military has carefully built a state
within a state.
The only schools and colleges which are effectively operating are
run by the military for their own children. The families of the military have
exclusive access to the best medical care.
The soldiers and their dependents have become an exclusive group
within the country.
Western military analysts believe the Burmese military leaders
have developed a siege mentality. They don't trust any civilians - even those
in government - and believes only soldiers can run the country.
Indonesian model
The military has long seen Indonesia as a model. The Indonesian
constitution gave the military a permanent political role.
However, the events there over the last two years have made the
Burmese military nervous.
It drew two lessons from President Suharto's fall: It believes Mr
Suharto didn't suppress the students early enough and that he finally fell
because the country ran out of rice.
There is no doubt that the Burmese military fear student protest -
it has effectively kept the country's schools and colleges closed for more than
10 years.
Burma's military leaders are aware that the economy could be their
undoing.
The government has selected some 50 national entrepreneurs to help
regenerate the economy and ensure sufficient rice production.
Most analysts remain sceptical that the Burmese generals will be
able to ensure economic growth and reduce the widespread malnutrition in the
country.
At the same time the Burmese military is slowly building its own
civilian structures throughout the country.
It has a compliant grassroots organisation, the United Solidarity
Development Association, which it claims has 11 million members.
These work closely with the military throughout the country. But
the men in uniforms run the country.
The military may claim that it is the only institution which can
ensure safety and security, but, as the people of Burma showed 10 years ago,
they want democracy and they want Aung San Suu Kyi to lead the country. Nothing
has changed that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 27 May, 2000, 09:16 GMT
10:16 UK
Suu Kyi demands power handover
About 300 supporters heard Suu Kyi's
address
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi marked the 10th anniversary of nullified elections won by her National
League for Democracy (NLD) party by demanding that the military hand over
power.
Ms Suu Kyi said the NLD rejected any proposal for a fresh ballot,
saying the government must respect the results of the last multi-party
elections.
Burmese riot police earlier surrounded the NLD headquarters in
Rangoon.
Witnesses said the military authorities had erected barricades
around the building, and were barring non-members from attending the
anniversary ceremony.
But about 300 people managed to cross the security cordon to hear
Ms Suu Kyi promise the fight for democracy would continue despite government
attmepts to intimidate them intoo silence.
In the days leading up to the anniversary, the military regime
heightened its crackdown on dissent, warning the media and Buddhist clergy not
to mark the anniversary.
The opposition says several hundred opposition members have been
detained throughout the country in the past few weeks.
Capital quiet
Rangoon was reported to be quiet, with people going about their
normal business.
There was no sign of a march on the capital by a monks
organisation which had been predicted by dissident activists in neighbouring
Thailand.
Officials told the French news agency AFP that about 100
protesting monks had arrived individually from Mandalay, the country's second
city.
The government says there is no significant support for either the
NLD or the monks.
Opposition victory
On 27 May 1990, the people of Burma - also known as Myanmar -
overwhelmingly rejected decades of isolationist military rule.
The NLD and its allies won more than 80% of the seats, despite the
intimidation of pro-democracy candidates and Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest
the year before.
Stunned by the defeat of its own front party, the military
annulled the NLD's election victory, claiming it had been rigged by foreigners
and communists.
The military has been in control of the country, in various
guises, since 1962.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 29 June, 2000, 11:27 GMT 12:27 UK
Bridge-building mission to
The Burmese military shows little sign of relinquishing power
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The United Nations' special envoy for
Burma, Razali Ismail, has arrived in Rangoon for talks aimed at encouraging
dialogue between the military government and the opposition National League for
Democracy.
It will be his first official visit since
the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appointed him earlier this year after the
resignation of his predecessor, Alvaro de Soto.
During the three-day visit Mr Razali will
also be assessing the human rights situation in a country frequently the target
of strong western criticism on the issue.
The UN has been involved in trying to
break the deadlock between Burma's military leaders and the pro-democracy
opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi for more than 10 years.
But successive envoys to Burma, including
a human rights rapporteur, have made little progress in getting the two sides
to talk to each other.
The international community is now hoping
that Mr Razali, a senior Malaysian diplomat and close confidant of Malaysia's
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, may be able to produce some concrete changes.
Unlike his predecessor, Alvaro De Soto,
the new envoy has been mandated to work solely on Burma.
Asian diplomat
Following his appointment in April,
Burma's Foreign Minister, U Win Aung, remarked cautiously that as an Asian, Mr
Razali ought to understand more about the region than did his predecessor.
Many Asian diplomats have also welcomed
his appointment, hoping that Dr Mahathir's support may help Burma's Generals
recognise the need for democratic change in the country.
According to diplomatic sources in
Rangoon, Mr Razali's visit is being seen as a fact-finding and exposure trip.
He is expected to meet Burma's head of
State, General Than Shwe and the military intelligence chief Lt General Khin
Nyunt as well as Aung San Suu Kyi.
Malaysian sources close to Mr Razali said
he wanted his visit to be a low-key affair and wasn't going to make his
itinerary public.
Developing trust
They said Mr Razali hoped to make
frequent visits to Rangoon in future and try to develop trust on both sides
through regular contact.
The Association of South-East Asian
Nations is also anxious to see Burma be more conciliatory towards the opposition
leader.
It is keen to convince the generals that
economic development and democracy go hand in hand.
However, Burma's military rulers have
steadfastly refused to hand over power to a civilian government, even though
the National League for Democracy convincingly won the national elections 10
years ago.
So far Burma's Generals have ignored Aung
San Suu Kyi and the NLD's frequent appeals for the military to enter a
meaningful dialogue on the country's political future.
Western and Asian diplomats alike
are hoping that the Malaysian envoy may have more success than his predecessors
have had.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 19 July, 2000, 14:22 GMT
15:22 UK
Burma remembers founding father
The cermony was held at the foot of the Shwedagon Pagoda
Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has attended a ceremony to mark the 1947 assassination of her father,
the country's leading independence hero.
A solemn-looking Ms Suu Kyi was escorted by a military guard to
the Martyrs' Mausoleum, at the foot of Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda.
Wearing a black shawl around her shoulders, she placed flowers at
her father's tomb and then knelt to pay respects.
Her father General Aung San and most of his cabinet were gunned
down just six months before Burma was declared a sovereign nation in 1948.
The assassination is remembered each year on Martyrs' Day.
It is the only event where Ms Suu Kyi is allowed to take part in
official ceremonies.
General Aung San was the founder of Burma's army and is respected
as a national hero by the ruling military regime for his leading role in the
struggle for independence from Britain.
But Ms Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy
(NLD), is considered a traitor by the military.
House arrest
The NLD won a landslide victory in elections in 1990, but the
military regime refused to hand over power.
Despite her release from house arrest in 1995, Ms Suu Kyi's
movements and political activities are still heavily restricted.
Reports said Ms Suu Kyi arrived at the ceremony in a black sedan
accompanied by Colonel Than Tun, her military liaison officer during her six
years of house arrest.
Her brother Aung San Oo, who lives in the United States, also
attended the ceremony.
Culture Minister Win Sein led the government representatives.
But reports said none of the top generals of the ruling State
Peace and Development Council attended.
Ms Suu Kyi was also due to hold a private religious ceremony at
the NLD headquarters on Wednesday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 10 August, 2000, 14:31 GMT
15:31 UK
Pro-democracy official 'jailed in
Burma'
The Burmese pro-democracy party led by Aung San Suu Kyi says a
leading opposition figure has been jailed for twenty-one years.
It says Aye Tha Aung who's secretary of the Committee Representing
the People's Parliament was arrested in April and jailed in June, but the news
has only now emerged.
There's been no comment from
It's not clear what charges Aye Tha Aung faced.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi
To her supporters she is known simply as The Lady
By BBC News Online's Joe Havely
As a symbol of heroic and peaceful
resistance in the face of oppression, Aung San Suu Kyi has come to be regarded
in
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in absentia
in 1991, she had by then been held under house arrest by
It would be another four years before she
was finally allowed to leave her home, although she remains restricted to the
capital,
Now aged 55, Aung San Suu Kyi is the
daughter of the assassinated Burmese nationalist leader, General Aung San.
His resistance to British colonial rule
culminated in
Political destiny
After receiving her initial education in
It was there that she met and married her
husband, Michael Aris, an
At the time Dr Aris knew his wife's
destiny might ultimately lie with her returning to
"Before we were married I promised
my wife that I would never stand between her and her country," he recalled.
It was not until 1988 however that Aung
San Suu Kyi first came to prominence in
Democracy movement
There she quickly became the leader of a
burgeoning pro-democracy movement following the brutal repression of a
pro-democratic uprising earlier that summer.
It was a mission she labelled "
The movement quickly grew into a
political party that went on to win an overwhelming 82% of the vote in national
elections in 1990 - despite the fact that by that time she had already been
under house arrest for more than a year.
The military regime, however, refused to
relinquish power and stepped up repression of her party, the National League
for Democracy.
Natural leader
Martin Smith, a writer on Burmese
affairs, says there are several reasons why Aung San Suu Kyi proved such a
natural leader.
"Her father was the founder of the
democratic movement. So Suu Kyi in a way had inherited that kind of tradition.
"But the second thing is of course
down to Aung San Suu Kyi herself, her role in the democracy movement and her
speeches about the need for change in Burmese society."
Inspired by the non-violent campaigns of
the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, and
Popular support
She has tirelessly campaigned for change
through dialogue and negotiation.
Her tolerance, patience and confidence -
born from the knowledge that she has immense popular support - have contrasted
sharply with the paranoia and bullying tactics of generals who hold power.
Much of her time is spent in military
imposed isolation inside her run-down villa on
To her millions of supporters across
Movement restricted
Despite Aun San Suu Kyi's official
release from house arrest, there are still de facto restrictions on her freedom
to move and speak, and oppression of pro-democracy activism continues.
In July 1998 she spent five days in a
stand-off with military officials outside
A month later she tried again and spent
13 days stationary on a road west of the capital before medical concerns
finally forced her to return to the city.
But her commitment to her cause was
perhaps most starkly and tragically illustrated a year later when her husband,
still living in the
Believing that she would be blocked from
returning to
Denied the chance for a final
farewell visit Michael Aris died in March 1999 - the couple had not seen each
other for three years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi
To her supporters she is known simply as The Lady
By BBC News Online's Joe Havely
As a symbol of heroic and peaceful
resistance in the face of oppression, Aung San Suu Kyi has come to be regarded
in
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in absentia
in 1991, she had by then been held under house arrest by
It would be another four years before she
was finally allowed to leave her home, although she remains restricted to the
capital,
Now aged 55, Aung San Suu Kyi is the
daughter of the assassinated Burmese nationalist leader, General Aung San.
His resistance to British colonial rule
culminated in
Political destiny
After receiving her initial education in
It was there that she met and married her
husband, Michael Aris, an
At the time Dr Aris knew his wife's
destiny might ultimately lie with her returning to
"Before we were married I promised
my wife that I would never stand between her and her country," he
recalled.
It was not until 1988 however that Aung
San Suu Kyi first came to prominence in
Democracy movement
There she quickly became the leader of a
burgeoning pro-democracy movement following the brutal repression of a
pro-democratic uprising earlier that summer.
It was a mission she labelled "
The movement quickly grew into a
political party that went on to win an overwhelming 82% of the vote in national
elections in 1990 - despite the fact that by that time she had already been
under house arrest for more than a year.
The military regime, however, refused to
relinquish power and stepped up repression of her party, the National League
for Democracy.
Natural leader
Martin Smith, a writer on Burmese
affairs, says there are several reasons why Aung San Suu Kyi proved such a
natural leader.
"Her father was the founder of the
democratic movement. So Suu Kyi in a way had inherited that kind of tradition.
"But the second thing is of course
down to Aung San Suu Kyi herself, her role in the democracy movement and her
speeches about the need for change in Burmese society."
Inspired by the non-violent campaigns of
the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, and
Popular support
She has tirelessly campaigned for change
through dialogue and negotiation.
Her tolerance, patience and confidence -
born from the knowledge that she has immense popular support - have contrasted
sharply with the paranoia and bullying tactics of generals who hold power.
Much of her time is spent in military
imposed isolation inside her run-down villa on
To her millions of supporters across
Movement restricted
Despite Aun San Suu Kyi's official
release from house arrest, there are still de facto restrictions on her freedom
to move and speak, and oppression of pro-democracy activism continues.
In July 1998 she spent five days in a
stand-off with military officials outside
A month later she tried again and spent
13 days stationary on a road west of the capital before medical concerns
finally forced her to return to the city.
But her commitment to her cause was
perhaps most starkly and tragically illustrated a year later when her husband,
still living in the
Believing that she would be blocked from
returning to
Denied
the chance for a final farewell visit Michael Aris died in March 1999 - the
couple had not seen each other for three years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backlash over Suu Kyi detention
Aung San Suu Kyi was trying to meet
supporters
The
The
The European Union called for travel restrictions on Ms Suu Kyi to
be lifted, and urged the Burmese Government to begin talks with opposition
parties.
Ms Suu Kyi was stopped by police on Thursday while attempting to
travel outside the city for the first time in two years.
Standoff
According to reports, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and
other members of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), left
But the group were halted by police at Dala on the outskirts of
the city, and have not yet returned home.
Ms Suu Kyi is preparing to spend a third night in her car, locked
in a tense standoff with officials.
Plainclothes security officials have apparently warned reporters
away from the area.
Two years ago, Ms Suu Kyi spent 13 days in her car after being
prevented from leaving
She eventually gave up her protest suffering from dehydration.
Security
According to the Burmese Government, Ms Suu Kyi and the other NLD
members have been stopped this time for not having "proper security
arrangements".
"Security officials requested them not to proceed but stay in
Dala town or return to
Authorities referred to "threats of violence by armed
insurgent separatist forces", and said Ms Suu Kyi had been stopped for her
own protection.
Reports said Ms Suu Kyi and her party had been planning to travel
to Kungyangon, 50km (31 miles) south of
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but
The daughter of the late Burmese nationalist leader, General Aung
San, Ms Suu Kyi was prevented from leaving her home for six years.
Although this was lifted in 1995, since then the military has
constantly restricted her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suu Kyi still defiant
Aung San Sui Kyi has been camped out for four nights
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, is continuing to defy a request to return to her home, as her
confrontation with the military authorities in the capital
Ms Suu Kyi and more than a dozen members of the National League
for Democracy (NDL) have been camping in cars outside the capital after being
stopped by police as they went to meet supporters.
A spokesman for the NDL said the aim of the stand-off was to let
everyone know that the opposition had the basic democratic right to travel
freely in its own country.
The
Supplies
The 55-year-old Nobel laureate has been confined by the
authorities to the capital, and it is the first time she has tried to leave in
two years.
The government says it is preventing her from travelling for her
own safety, because of what it calls threats of violence by "armed
separatist terrorist groups".
It also insists that Ms Suu Kyi is being provided with ample food
and water, contrary to earlier reports from some NDL members that they were
running low on supplies.
The
Plainclothes security officials have apparently warned reporters
away from the area.
Two years ago, Ms Suu Kyi spent 13 days in her car after being
prevented from leaving
She eventually gave up her protest suffering from dehydration.
According to the Burmese Government, Ms Suu Kyi and the other NLD
members have been stopped this time for not having "proper security
arrangements".
"Security officials requested them not to proceed but stay in
Dala town or return to
Reports said Ms Suu Kyi and her party had been planning to travel
to Kungyangon, 50km (30 miles) south of
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but
The daughter of the late Burmese nationalist leader, General Aung
San, Ms Suu Kyi was prevented from leaving her home for six years.
Although this was lifted in 1995, since then the military has
constantly restricted her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fears for defiant Suu Kyi
The Burmese military government is
facing growing international criticism over the stand-off with opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been stranded with supporters for six days on
a road outside the capital.
The European Union and United Nations, among others, expressed
concern for Ms Suu Kyi and condemned the military for blocking the path of the
opposition leader's car.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for a quick and peaceful
resolution to the matter.
Saying he was "monitoring the situation closely", Mr
Annan also called for a national reconciliation, urging both sides to engage in
political dialogue.
Ms Suu Kyi and a dozen officials from her party, the National
League for Democracy (NLD), were on their way to a meeting with supporters last
Thursday when they were stopped by police.
As a protest against the restriction on their freedom of movement,
they have remained in the muddy, mosquito-infested area in the two vehicles
they were travelling in.
This is the first time Miss Suu Kyi - who was previously under
house arrest for six years - has tried to leave
Umbrellas and bathroom
The military regime rejected criticism, saying it had provided the
group with food, water and other amenities.
A government website, the Burmese National Homepage, said
authorities had given Ms Suu Kyi beach umbrellas and a mobile bathroom to
ensure "her maximum comfort".
The NLD said the government shouild be held responsible for any
deterioration in Ms Suu Kyi's help.
In an angry attack on Tuesday, the regime accused Ms Suu Kyi of
damaging the nation's economy by urging foreign governments to impose sanctions
and trade boycotts.
It said people resented her actions, and that the authorities now
had to take this action to protect her from attacks by citizens.
"The people realise that they are being used as sacrificial
lambs by the NLD," it said.
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but
International concern
The
Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan warned it could tarnish the
image of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which
controversially admitted
"Again, we deplore the attempts to restrict the movements of
Aung San Suu Kyi," US State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said.
Mr Reeker said the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second week of Suu Kyi stand-off
A roadside confrontation between the pro-democracy leader in
Miss Suu Kyi and a small group of supporters were halted at
roadblock in the countryside not far from the capital,
The authorities said she was prevented from going on because
separatist guerrilla activity made travel in the area unsafe.
But Miss Suu Kyi has refused to turn back and opted to camp at the
point where she was stopped.
The stalemate has attracted international attention, with the
United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan saying he's increasingly concerned
about Miss Suu Kyi's welfare.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The authorities in
The Burmese opposition leader and a group of supporters have been
camped around two cars since they were stopped while on their way to an
opposition party meeting near the capital
The United States and the European Union have urged that the
restrictions imposed on Aung San Suu Kyi be lifted, and the United Nations
Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, says he is increasingly concerned about her
welfare.
Web pictures
In a move that appears to be designed to deflect international
criticism, the Burmese military authorities have put photographs of the
National League for Democracy (NLD) leader and her supporters on its website.
What appear as holiday snaps are accompanied by text explaining
that Aung San Suu Kyi is simply taking an "rest".
"While Daw Suu Kyi visits some homes in Sarpachaun Ward, her
travel companions and attendants enjoy visiting downtown Dala as well as taking
daily dips in Sarpachaun stream," the government daily newsletter says.
It lists the necessities it has supplied - including beach
umbrellas, and a new mobile bathroom - "to ensure her maximum comfort and
well-being", and says an ambulance is on stand-by.
The location is the
Answering critics
One diplomat says the group is camping in what he describes as a
mosquito-infested swamp.
On Thursday, an NLD spokesman said the opposition leader had
resolved to continue her confrontation with government.
"It is hereby declared again that General-Secretary Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi will not turn back until and unless she has fully completed her
intended organisational tasks," the NLD said in a statement.
The government, for its part, has criticised international critics
and insisted it was committed to democracy.
"It is unfortunate that the government in every positive move
or step in the right direction has been challenged, ridiculed and impeded,
creating unnecessary obstacles in [the] orderly transition to a multi-party
democracy," it said.
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the late Burmese nationalist
leader, General Aung San, was prevented from leaving her home for six years.
Although this was lifted in 1995, the military has constantly
restricted her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US denounces Burma over Suu Kyi
Senior American politicians have denounced the military government
of
Miss Suu Kyi is now in the second week of a roadside protest which
began when she, and a group of supporters, were prevented from attending a
political meeting .
Vice President Al Gore called the restriction an offence to free
people everywhere.
The Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, said she was appalled
that the Burmese government had denied Miss Suu Kyi the freedom to travel
within her own country.
She said Aung San Suu Kyi¿s voice would not be silenced.
The authorities have described the roadside protest as a
deliberate confrontation designed to attract world attention.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese military raid opposition HQ
The ruling military authorities in
Diplomatic sources say military intelligence officers seized a
large number of documents belonging to her opposition party, the National
League for Democracy (NLD).
UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook responded to the developments by
calling on the Burmese authorities to lift all the restrictions imposed on the
NLD and voicing "deep concern" about the crackdown.
Diplomats in
Isolation
The security forces have prevented diplomats from reaching Ms Suu
Kyi's house. The Nobel Peace laureate has not been seen in public since the end
of her nine-day stand-off with the military on the outskirts of the capital.
Mr Cook said the
"I call on the Burmese regime to allow immediate access to
Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD colleagues, and to lift all restrictions
forthwith," he said.
"Initial indications are that the Burmese regime has once
again grossly infringed the rights of a legal political party to operate
freely."
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but
Conflicting stories
NLD officials said riot police ended the confrontation late on
Friday by forcing Ms Suu Kyi and her colleagues into separate cars.
The military authorities said she had been escorted back to the
capital because of concerns about her health and safety and because of monsoon
rains.
A government statement said Ms Suu Kyi and the rest of her party
had been escorted in a motorcade "facilitated by the government for their
safe and convenient return".
"They arrived home fit and sound this morning [on Saturday],"
the statement said.
Ms Suu Kyi had been locked inside her car for nine days after
security services prevented her and 14 members of her party from travelling to
a political meeting in the countryside.
The stand-off prompted widespread international condemnation of
the restrictions placed by the military authorities on Aung San Suu Kyi's
freedom of movement.
The European Union, United Nations and
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the late Burmese nationalist
leader, General Aung San, was held under house arrest for six years after the
NLD's election victory.
Although this was lifted in 1995, the military government has
maintained restrictions on her movements.
The authorities described her protest as a deliberate
confrontation designed to attract world attention.
A government website said Ms Suu Kyi belonged to Western powers
"morally and literally".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis: Frustration of Burmese
military
By
Frustration and embarrassment appear to be the overriding emotions
that led the ruling military authorities in
From the moment the stand-off on a dirt track outside
It pointed to the undisputed fact that there was no visible
evidence of public support for Ms Suu Kyi, whose party won elections in May
1990 but was prevented from taking office.
But what the military could not stop was the growing volume of
international censure of the restrictions it was placing on Ms Suu Kyi's
freedom of movement.
Government pressure
As the days passed, it became clear that Ms Suu Kyi - an
increasingly marginalised figure in recent months - was successfully using the
same form of protest she employed two years ago to boost her profile abroad and
to highlight her long battle to bring
Not for the first time, the regime's patience snapped.
It remains unclear how far the government plans to go in punishing
the NLD.
Reports of the seizure of documents from the party's
Hardliners within the military would dearly love to crush the
opposition once and for all; indeed that process has been underway for some
time at a local level, where lower-level members of the NLD have been put under
enormous pressure to resign their membership.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, has condemned as "a scandal"
the treatment of
The Nobel Peace prize winner, and 14 of her supporters from the
National League of Democracy (NLD), were seized on a dirt road outside
They had been staging a nine-day protest after security services
prevented her and members of her party from travelling to a political meeting
in the countryside.
The military authorities said she had been escorted back to the
capital because of concerns about her health and safety and because of monsoon
rains.
Since her forced return to the capital her party headquarters have
been raided and occupied by military officers who have seized numerous
documents.
Speaking at a meeting with other EU foreign ministers in
"Our ambassador has been trying to get access to her. He has
been denied.
"We need to know she is safe and well. What has happened here
is a scandal.
"Aung San Suu Kyi received the vote by an overwhelming
majority of the people of Burma 10 years ago.
"She is now being prevented from communicating with her
supporters. It is a clear sign of the weakness of the regime that they are so
afraid to let her travel."
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the late Burmese nationalist
leader, General Aung San, was held under house arrest for six years after the
NLD's election victory in 1990.
Although this was lifted in 1995, the military government has
maintained restrictions on her movements ever since.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 3 September, 2000, 09:46 GMT
10:46 UK
Burma blocks access to Suu Kyi
The Burmese military authorities are continuing to block access to the
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
They have also maintained a cordon around the headquarters of her
National League for Democracy, despite international condemnation of her
treatment.
Miss Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since soldiers forced her
and a group of supporters to return to the capital, Rangoon early on Saturday,
after a nine-day roadside standoff.
The confrontation had started when Miss Suu Kyi, making her first
attempt to travel outside Rangoon for two years, was stopped in her car on the
outskirts of the capital.
Burmese military officials have denied that other NLD leaders are
under house arrest, but they say they have been asked to stay in their homes
and their movements are being temporarily restricted.
International condemnation
Earlier, the United States joined the European Union in condemning
the military authorities' action against Miss Suu Kyi.
American Secretary of Sate, Madeleine Albright, said she was
outraged by the Burmese authorities' use of force.
"The United States is outraged and strongly condemns the
Burmese authorities' treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi and her party members and
the violations of their fundamental human rights," Ms Albright said in a
statement.
European foreign ministers meeting in Evian, France, also
condemned the military government.
UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said the Burmese regime had once
again grossly infringed the rights of a legal political party to operate
freely.
He called on the Burmese authorities to lift all the restrictions
imposed on the National League for Democray .
Police guard
The Burmese government says it acted for the opposition leader's
own safety, by escorting her home in the early hours of Saturday.
It described her roadside protest as a deliberate confrontation
designed to attract world attention.
Hours later, the military raided the NLD headquarters and seized a
large number of documents.
The BBC's Gina Wilkinson in Rangoon says that four senior members
of the NLD have been placed under house arrest.
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but Burma's military rulers
refused to hand over power, jailing some party members and placing others under
house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the late Burmese nationalist
leader, General Aung San, was held under house arrest for six years after the
NLD's election victory.
Although this was lifted in 1995, the military government has
maintained restrictions on her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 4 September, 2000, 09:42 GMT
10:42 UK
Burmese opposition leader "in
good health"
Reports from Burma say the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is
in good health despite international concerns following her latest
confrontation with the military authorities.
Miss Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since last week when
police forcibly ended a roadside protest she staged after being refused
permission to visit other opposition activists outside the capital, Rangoon.
The government has denied that she or any of her party colleagues
are under house arrest, but says they have been asked to stay at home while
investigations are carried out into their alleged contacts with foreigners and
with a group of ethnic Karen rebels, known as God's Army. Earlier, the United
Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, added his voice to the international
protests over Miss Suu Kyi's treatment.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 4 September, 2000, 10:35 GMT
11:35 UK
Annan protest over Suu Kyi standoff
The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has added his voice to the
wave of international protests against the Burmese military authorities'
treatment of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
She has not been seen in public since Friday, when the police
forcibly ended a nine-day standoff that developed from her efforts to visit
party activists outside the capital, Rangoon.
Mr Annan expressed his "deep concern" at the military
administration's actions against the Burmese opposition leader and members of
her National League for Democracy (NLD).
"Reports concerning further infringement of the freedom of
movement and the freedom of political expression are particularly
disturbing," he said in a statement.
Stand-off
Aung San Suu Kyi and fellow party workers were stopped by security
forces on 24 August shortly after leaving the capital.
Refusing government requests to turn back, she and 14 other
members of the NLD set up a makeshift camp in Dala, a suburb of Rangoon.
The stand-off ended on Friday night when riot police moved in to
return the group to the capital.
Since then, the military authorities have blocked access to her
and other opposition leaders.
They deny reports that any of the group has been placed under
house arrest - saying only that they have been requested to at home while
investigations are carried out into their alleged contacts with foreigners and
a group of ethnic Karen rebels, known as God's Army.
However, the British ambassador in Burma said he was not allowed
to meet Aung San Suu Kyi and was manhandled by the security forces when he
tried to contact her and other senior NLD members.
"I was jostled and I was grabbed a couple of times outside
the NLD office," Ambassador John Jenkins told the BBC.
He said there were growing concerns that the government may be
moving to ban the NLD entirely.
International criticism
The situation in Burma has attracted criticism from the United
States, the European Union and Australia.
"(We are) appalled by the standards of human right in Burma
and we certainly deplore the way in which Aung San Suu Kyi has been treated,
" Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told Reuters news agency.
The NLD won elections in May 1990, but Burma's military rulers
refused to recognise the result, jailing some party members and placing others
under house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the late Burmese nationalist
leader, General Aung San, was held under house arrest for six years after the
NLD's election victory.
Although this was lifted in 1995, the military government has
maintained restrictions on her movements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 5 September, 2000, 10:48 GMT 11:48 UK
Concern grows for Suu Kyi
A Burmese exile voices his protest in
International concern is growing over the welfare of the Burmese
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has not been seen in public for several
days.
It comes amid allegations from the
country's military leaders that members of her National League for Democracy
party have been involved in "terrorist activity".
Aung San Suu Kyi and 13 NLD members have
not been seen in public since Saturday when police forcibly ended a roadside
stand-off over the authorities' refusal to allow them to visit party members
outside the capital, Rangoon.
The human rights organisation, Amnesty
International, has called on Burma to allow access to the opposition leader and
her colleagues saying it is "gravely concerned" for their welfare.
The government says Aung San Suu Kyi is
at her house on Rangoon's University Avenue, but diplomats and journalists have
been refused access to her.
Armed guards are reported to be
surrounding the property and telephone lines to the house have also been cut.
Police raid
The NLD's party headquarters have also
been closed following a police raid on Saturday shortly before Aung San Suu Kyi
and her colleagues were brought back to the capital.
The government says it is investigating
links between the NLD and an armed rebel group, God's Army, based on the
Burmese border.
It has denied reports that members of the
group are being held under house arrest, saying instead they have been asked to
stay at home whilst the investigation proceeds.
Human rights groups say allegations of
the NLD having links with terrorist group are routinely used to justify the
mass arrests of party supporters.
Amnesty says there is no evidence that
the NLD, which has always espoused non-violence, has connections with any armed
groups.
Its comments were supported by the US
Charge d'Affaires in Rangoon, Priscilla Clapp, who said any such claims were a
"malicious fabrication".
Clampdown warning
Observers in the Burmese capital say
there is mounting evidence that the military authorities are preparing to
clampdown on the NLD's activities.
On Tuesday, in a sign of the authorities'
increasing frustration, Burmese newspapers quoted the country's powerful
intelligence chief, Brigadier General Khin Nyunt, accusing western governments
of meddling in Burma's internal affairs.
"Two big western countries are
applying various means to interfere in and dominate the internal affairs of
Myanmar [Burma] and destroy her relations with the international
community," he was quoted as saying.
"They are trying to drag the Myanmar
[Burmese] people into poverty and hardships and to cause unrest in the
nation."
Correspondents say criticism of Burma is likely to increase at this week's United Nation's Millennium Summit in New York which the Burmese Foreign Minister Win Aung is expected to attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 6 September, 2000, 09:43
GMT 10:43 UK
Suu Kyi is well says
The military authorities in Burma say the opposition leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, is safe and well in her house in the capital, Rangoon.
Miss Suu Kyi has not been seen in public, and foreign diplomats
have been barred from contacting her, since she was forcibly returned to the
city on Saturday.
She'd staged a nine-day roadside protest after police stopped her
group from travelling to a party meeting. A spokesman for the military
government says a doctor and twelve members of the National League for
Democracy are with her.
The authorities say family members have been visiting her compound
and the residences of other NLD officials. The authorities say she hasn't been arrested,
but has been asked to stay at home while alleged links with rebels are
investigated.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 7 September, 2000, 16:45 GMT
17:45 UK
Burma attacks 'negative campaign'
Burma's military government has attacked what it says is a "synchronised
negative media campaign" designed to paint a damaging picture of the
country and its treatment of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
In a statement on its website, the government condemned "a
flurry of groundless accusations" which it said had been has been
"tailored to coincide with ... the UN Millennium Summit".
The comments come a day after US President Bill Clinton and UK
Prime Minister Tony Blair both used their speeches at the summit to condemn the
latest crackdown on the Burmese opposition.
'Safe and well'
Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her opposition National League for
Democracy (NLD) have not been seen since Saturday when police forced them to
return to the capital, Rangoon.
The move brought an end to a nine-day roadside stand-off, brought
about by the opposition leader's efforts to visit party officials outside the
city.
The Burmese authorities insist Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues
are safe and well inside their homes in the capital, but they have denied
Western diplomats and journalists access to her.
The gates to Aung San Suu Kyi's house on Rangoon's University
Avenue are reportedly padlocked with armed security personnel outside.
Government statements earlier in the week said the NLD leader and
her colleagues were under investigation for alleged "terrorist"
connections.
However, it has denied that any opposition figure has been
formally arrested.
'Neo-colonialist stooge'
On Thursday the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper added to
the war of words with Burma's critics saying the NLD leader was neo-colonialist
stooge being kept under supervision for her own safety.
"[Burma's] leaders, wise in the ways of evil-minded people,
clearly foresee perils under which [Aung San] Suu Kyi is flitting about
unwarily," the newspaper said in its commentary.
"All these protesters, presidential candidates, heads of
state, the secretary-general of the UN, blithely jumped on the trumpet-blowing
bandwagon of calumniating Myanmar [Burma], not because they see, they hear,
they know for themselves [Burma's] affairs, but for their own selfish purposes
and aims," it said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 14 September, 2000, 10:06
GMT 11:06 UK
Suu Kyi restrictions lifted
The Burmese democracy-leader, Aung San Suu, has begun receiving
visitors after the military authorities lifted restrictions which have kept her
under virtual house arrest for almost two weeks.
The restrictions had also applied to other senior members of the
National League for Democracy.
Their telephone links have been restored and the party
vice-chairman , Tin Oo, is reported to have visited Miss Suu Kyi's house.
Foreign diplomats have also been arriving at her residence, in the
capital Rangoon.
The authorities have resisted international protests about the
treatment of the party's senior members.
The pressure escalated after Miss Suu Kyi and her companions were
forcibly returned to the city, ending a nine-day roadside protest against
travel restrictions imposed on them.
From the newsroom of the BBC
World Service
Thursday, 14
September, 2000, 12:29 GMT 13:29 UK
Burma lifts Suu Kyi house arrest
The Burmese military authorities have lifted restrictions limiting the
movements of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and senior members of her
National League for Democracy.
The opposition leader has been under
virtual house arrest for almost two weeks, after the authorities forcibly ended
a roadside protest against restrictions on her travel outside the city.
Diplomats based in Rangoon and some
senior members of the party have been allowed to visit Aung San Suu Kyi at her
home and say she is in good spirits.
The block on her movements - which
sparked international protests - was lifted following what the military
authorities described as "a fruitful meeting" with NLD chairman, U
Aung Shwe.
However, opposition members say there was
little if any discussion at the meeting.
They say the NLD chairman was simply
summoned to a government guest house and informed by the powerful
Secretary-number-one, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, that restrictions on party
officials were being lifted.
Telephone lines to Aung San Suu Kyi's
house and to NLD headquarters in Rangoon are now also reported to have been
reconnected.
First visits
One of the first people to visit the
opposition leader's house was Tin Oo, vice chairman of the National League for
Democracy (NLD) whose movements have also been subject to restriction.
According to reports military guards
placed outside Aung San Suu Kyi's house were astonished to see him walking
freely towards the building, apparently unaware that the restrictions had been
lifted.
British diplomats who visited Aung San
Suu Kyi on Thursday afternoon told the BBC they had found her in good spirits
and "well in mind", although she appeared to have lost some weight.
Later in the afternoon she began a series
of talks with senior NLD officials inside her house.
Government investigations
Shortly after Aung San Su Kyi and her
colleagues were forcibly returned to the capital, the Burmese Government
announced that it had begun investigations into the NLD's activities.
The move followed claims that certain
members of the NLD had been involved in "terrorist activity".
Government officials repeatedly denied
that any official had been formally placed under house arrest, saying it had requested
they remain at home while investigations were carried out.
The government's actions drew strong
international criticism with the US and UK governments accusing the Burmese
authorities of blatantly violating the rights of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues.
In Thursday's official statement
the government "expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of the
senior NLD members for staying at home", adding that it regretted
"the inconvenience caused to those involved."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 14 September, 2000, 20:58
GMT 21:58 UK
Analysis: Have the Generals backed
down?
By Burma Analyst Larry Jagan and Asia reporter Clare Arthurs
The military authorities stubbornly resisted international
pressure to lift the restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi, telling the world not to
meddle in Burma's affairs.
Despite that stance, the removal of the restrictions which cut off
the democracy leader and many of her colleagues from the world, are not
altogether surprising.
Less than two weeks ago, the Burmese ambassador in London told a
British minister that diplomats would be allowed to visit the opposition leader
in about mid-September.
What was unexpected, however, was the meeting between the regime's
powerful Secretary Number One, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, and the Chairman
of the National League for Democracy (NLD), U Aung Shwe.
'Cordial and fruitful'
It has been three years since there has been direct contact
between the military officers of the State Peace and Development Council and
the party which won elections a decade ago.
Talks broke down over the NLD's insistence that Aung San Suu Kyi
should be included.
According to the government website, Thursday's meeting was
"frank, cordial and fruitful".
The statement contained the usual Burmese government rhetoric,
repeating the military's assurances that it was handling the transition to
democracy.
However, one western diplomat who asked not to be named was told
the meeting was brief and merely informed that the NLD chairman that
restrictions on visits to senior NLD members had been lifted.
Offices raided
Now able to receive visitors NLD officials are said to be angry
that their office in
There are now fears that the generals plan to use material seized
during their search to try to discredit the NLD or even try to have it banned
altogether.
Aung San Suu Kyi's latest confrontation with the authorities
guaranteed
But it is not yet clear whether these latest developments indicate
that pressure on the party will ease.
Deadlock stays
The Burmese authorities are keen to portray the lifting of
restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues as a positive development -
the NLD, on the other hand, says nothing has changed.
The Burmese military are still steadfastly refusing to talk with
the NLD about resolving the country's political deadlock.
But many observers fear that this is only a pause before the
Generals try once again to crush the NLD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suu Kyi to defy military again
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says she will challenge the military
authorities again with another trip outside the capital,
She was speaking after emerging from two weeks of virtual house
arrest imposed on her by the military when she tried to leave the city last
month.
She said she would travel "openly" outside the capital
in the next 10 days for party organisational work.
"Stop us if you dare," said the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize
winner, challenging the ruling military council.
Asked where she would go, Aung San Suu Kyi replied: "I will
let you know later...We never announce our future strategy."
Observers said she appeared to have lost some weight but looked
healthy and cheerful as she arrived at the NLD headquarters in
Some 200 supporters assembled there gave her red and pink roses.
The NLD won
Nine-day protest
Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest followed a nine-day roadside
protest with several other members of the NLD, after they were barred from
travelling to a party meeting on 24 August.
The military forcibly ended the stand-off on 2 September and
confined the leader and other members to their homes.
Aung San Suu Kyi said she did not know why the military had lifted
the restrictions on Thursday.
"It could be because of international pressure or it could be
simply because of a change of their minds," she added.
She also announced the NLD planned to mount a legal challenge to a
police raid on its headquarters during the roadside protest.
Correspondents say there are fears the generals plan to use material
seized during their search to try to discredit the NLD or even try to have it
banned altogether.
The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the
lifting of restrictions and urged the military government to start political
talks with the NLD.
Telephone lines to Aung San Suu Kyi and to the NLD headquarters
are reported to have been reconnected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Challenge to
Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party has issued a new direct challenge to the
Burmese military authorities by deciding to draw up a new constitution.
The decision taken by the National League for Democracy (NLD)
during a meeting in the capital,
Conviction for the offence could carry a prison sentence of
between five and 20 years.
The BBC's
Convention
The Burmese authorities set up a national constitutional
convention seven years ago but the NLD boycotted it on the grounds that it was
dominated by the military regime.
It has not held a meeting for four years and has not produced a
constitution.
The NLD won
"With the support of the people and with support from
countries who support democracy, a democratic government will certainly
emerge," a declaration released from the NLD said.
Security
The NLD meeting in
About 200 party members were allowed to attend, observed by a
handful of diplomats but reporters were barred from entry by the security
forces.
The meeting took place at the NLD's headquarters two days after
the authorities eased restrictions on the party's leadership.
Members had been placed under house arrest for two weeks after
Aung San Suu Kyi was forcibly prevented by the authorities from visiting
supporters outside the capital.
Aung San Suu Kyi has announced her intention to challenge the
military and travel outside
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The attack, in a newspaper commentary, called the opposition
leader a traitor and a devil.
On Saturday Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy
outlined plans to again challenge military restrictions on travel and party
business, and try to thwart a ban on drawing up a new constitution.
The authorities say she is dangerous and relies on collusion with
foreign governments to back her confrontation with the government.
Last week, the military government lifted restrictions keeping the
NLD leadership under virtual house arrest.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defiant Suu Kyi tests
Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, had
said she and other party members would try to go to
Several previous attempts by the authorities to restrict Aung San
Suu Kyi's movements have provoked widespread international condemnation.
United States President Bill Clinton has warned the Burmese
authorities against any further confrontation with the opposition, saying the
world is watching.
Officials from Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy
(NLD) party had said she would attempt to travel to Mandalay on the 1600 (0900
GMT) train.
But residents near her home are reported saying that security
forces have parked vans, cars and motorcycles at both ends of the street
leading to her house.
Last time the journey was attempted, in 1996, her carriage was
disconnected from the rest of the train just before it left the station.
Officials blamed technical problems.
House arrest
The military authorities have maintained strict controls on Aung
San Suu Kyi's travel since freeing her from six years of house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day stand-off with police,
after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a party meeting outside the
capital.
She and her supporters remained camped by the roadside until the
authorities ended the protest and placed her under virtual house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi announced last week that she was intending to
make another travel attempt.
"Stop us if you dare," she said in a challenge to the
ruling military council.
Last Sunday, the NLD issued another challenge to the government by
announcing plans to draw up a new constitution.
The decision contravenes a four-year-old law which forbids the
drafting of a constitution without government approval.
'Crushed without mercy'
An official Burmese newspaper quoted a senior official on Thursday
as saying that Aung San Suu Kyi would be "crushed" for trying to
draft the constitution.
"Anyone who tries to draft a new constitution in line with
the colonialists is the nation's common enemy and will be crushed without
mercy," said Lieutenant General Tin Oo.
The NLD won
Aung San Suu Kyi was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burma authorities block Suu Kyi
The military authorities in
Miss Suu Kyi went to the main railway
station, planning to travel to the northern city of
She has not been permitted to board a
train, and reports say she is still in the waiting room with the station itself
surrounded by a heavy security presence, preventing visitors from entering the
building.
Last time she attempted the journey, in
1996, her carriage was disconnected from the rest of the train just before it
left. Officials blamed technical problems.
Accompanying Aung San Suu Kyi is the vice
chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Tin Oo, and a number of
other party colleagues.
Reports say a number of opposition
supporters have been taken away from the station in military vehicles.
Earlier, the authorities blocked the road
leading to her house,. The move is the latest challenge to restrictions on
opposition movements imposed by the military authorities.
Test of wills
Earlier, Aung San Suu Kyi announced she
was planning to leave
Previous efforts by the authorities to
prevent the NLD leader from leaving the capital have provoked widespread
international condemnation.
United States President Bill Clinton has
warned the Burmese authorities against any further confrontation with the
opposition, saying the world is watching.
Residents near her home on
House arrest
The military authorities have maintained
strict controls on Aung San Suu Kyi's travel since freeing her from six years
of house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day
stand-off with police, after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a
party meeting outside the capital.
She and her supporters remained camped by
the roadside until the authorities ended the protest and placed her under
virtual house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi announced last week that
she was intending to make another travel attempt.
"Stop us if you dare," she said
in a challenge to the ruling military council.
Last Sunday, the NLD issued another challenge
to the government by announcing plans to draw up a new constitution.
The decision contravenes a four-year-old
law which forbids the drafting of a constitution without government approval.
'Crushed without mercy'
An official Burmese newspaper quoted a
senior official on Thursday as saying that Aung San Suu Kyi would be
"crushed" for trying to draft the constitution.
"Anyone who tries to draft a new
constitution in line with the colonialists is the nation's common enemy and
will be crushed without mercy," said Lieutenant General Tin Oo, one of the
most senior members of the ruling State Peace and Development Council.
The NLD won
Aung San Suu Kyi was later
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No train ticket for Suu Kyi
About 100 of her supporters were herded into trucks by military
police at the station and taken to an undisclosed location, diplomats and
witnesses said.
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright condemned what she called
"this blatent heavy-handed action" against Miss Suu Kyi's supporters
as "unacceptable".
"The
Miss Suu Kyi had been planning to travel to the northern city of
The authorities refused to allow her to board the final train of
the day which left at 2100 (1330 GMT), eyewitnesses said.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) leader's latest challenge
to restrictions on her travel ended with her being escorted home by police
several hours later.
There was tight security around the station, with shops and
businesses closed. Police in riot gear kept journalists and diplomats away.
Defiant
The military authorities have maintained strict controls on Aung
San Suu Kyi's travel outside the capital since freeing her from six years of
house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day stand-off with police,
after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a party meeting outside the
capital.
She and her supporters remained camped by the roadside until the
authorities ended the protest and placed her under virtual house arrest.
Tensions
Deputy party chairman Tin Oo, who also intended to travel to
Mandalay, had earlier told party supporters he wanted to investigate reports
that party members had been prevented from taking party in political
activities, and that their offices has been shut down.
When Aung San Suu Kyi tried to visit
On Thursday the ruling State Peace and Development Council said
the latest events were heightening tensions between the two sides.
"The latest 'stand-off' between the SPDC and the NLD and its
predictable end, and the predictable media attention, does nothing for the
country except to heighten tensions and generate more anger on both
sides," it said in a statement.
The NLD won
Aung San Suu Kyi was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albright condemns
The
The incident happened on Thursday after
the opposition leader and several senior figures from her party, the National
League for Democracy (NLD), were barred from travelling by train to the city of
The group had been planning to visit the
northern city to investigate reports of a crackdown against party supporters
there.
The authorities refused to allow her to
board the final train of the day at 2100 local time, after railway officials
said there were no tickets left.
Aung San Suu Kyi's latest challenge to
restrictions on her travel ended with her being escorted home by police several
hours later.
Reports from
'Heavy-handed'
"This blatant, heavy-handed action
is only the latest outrage committed against Aung San Suu Kyi and other party
leaders by Burmese authorities," Mrs Albright said in a statement.
"The
A statement from the Burmese authorities
said the Nobel Peace Prize winner had "lashed out at a station cleaning
crew before being asked to leave by station authorities".
The statement added that Aung San Suu Kyi
and her officials were "at home, and the government is investigating the
incident".
Security cordon
Earlier witnesses said about 100 NLD
supporters who had gathered at the station were herded into trucks by military
police at the station and taken to an undisclosed location.
Reports say a tight security cordon has
now been placed around the opposition leader's home and around the headquarters
of the NLD. Diplomats and journalists have been refused access.
The military authorities have maintained
strict controls on Aung San Suu Kyi's travel outside the capital since freeing
her from six years of house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day
stand-off with police, after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a
party meeting outside the capital.
She and her supporters remained camped by
the roadside until the authorities ended the protest and placed her under
virtual house arrest.
Tensions raised
Four years ago, when Aung San Suu Kyi
tried to visit
On Thursday the ruling State Peace and
Development Council said the latest events were heightening tensions between
the two sides.
"The latest 'stand-off' between the
SPDC and the NLD and its predictable end, and the predictable media attention,
does nothing for the country except to heighten tensions and generate more
anger on both sides," it said in a statement.
The NLD won
Aung San
Suu Kyi was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize but was unable to receive it in
person because she was being held under house arrest in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The military authorities in
Officials said the deputy leader of the NLD, Tin Oo, was being
held at a "government guesthouse."
The location has been reported to be the Ye Mon military base 50
kilometres (30 miles) north of
Officials said the move was to prevent the deputy leader from
embarking on what were described as "stunts" similar to Aung San Suu
Kyi's attempts to travel outside the capital.
Security around the home of Aung San Suu Kyi was also tightened
after she tried to travel by train to the city of
She was also warned to desist from her "confrontational"
ways.
Press attack
A state run newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar, launched a
blistering personal attack on Tin Oo and Aung San Suu Kyi.
"Tin Oo never has the will to do things in a restrained
manner. He always tries to stir up trouble.
"In addition to such mischief, he always talks ill of the
government and steadfastly commits acts of misconduct and holds negative views
toward the government," the article said.
It also accused him of treason and described Aung San Suu Kyi as
"the messenger of destruction sent by the colonialists of the West
bloc."
The article went on to advise her to rather join hands with the
military for the "benefit of the nation."
The BBC's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Australian Government has added
its voice to growing international criticism of the Burmese regime over its
renewed detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Burmese opposition leader has been held under virtual house
arrest since she was prevented from taking a train out of the capital,
Describing the Burmese authorities' action as
"unacceptable", Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said he
was increasingly concerned about Aung San Suu Kyi's welfare.
"I have repeatedly urged the Burmese government to respect
the right of freedom of movement and association for all Burmese people,"
Mr Downer said in a statement released on Monday.
"The Burmese government has once again flagrantly ignored
this fundamental right."
Since being forcibly evicted from
Telephone lines to their homes have been cut and diplomats have
been denied access.
On Friday US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright condemned what
she called "only the latest outrage committed against Aung San Suu Kyi and
other party leaders by the Burmese authorities".
Movements restricted
The military authorities have maintained strict controls on Aung
San Suu Kyi's travel outside the capital since freeing her from six years of
house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day stand-off with police,
after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a party meeting outside the
capital.
That protest was also forcibly ended by the authorities, after
which the opposition leader and her colleagues were detained at their homes
whilst the government carried out what it said were investigations into their
activities.
In official statements on last week's stand-off, the Burmese
Government has said Aung San Suu Kyi was requested to leave the station after
she "lashed out" at cleaning staff after being told that train
tickets had sold out.
Blair quoted
It has said variously that she is being held for her own
protection or to prevent social chaos.
In comments released on Monday the authorities quoted a speech
from
"'Legitimate protest is one thing. Trying to bring the
country to a halt is quite another, and there can be no justification for
it'," the Burmese Information Committee's website said, quoting from Mr
Blair's 12 September speech.
"The government of
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK Government has condemned the Burmese authorities for using a speech by
In a statement published on its web site, the Burmese Government
quoted remarks made by Tony Blair during the recent fuel protests, in which he
accused demonstrators of trying to bring the country to a halt.
But a spokesman for Mr Blair called the statement a cynical
misrepresentation and said
The British move follows strong criticism of
No justification
"Legitimate protest is one thing. Trying to bring the country
to a halt is quite another, and there can be no justification for it',"
the Burmese Information Committee's web site quoted Mr Blair as saying.
"The government of
A spokesman for No 10 Downing Street, Mr Blair's office, said:
"Rather than cynically misrepresent the discourse of democratic
governments, the military junta in
In remarks also released on Monday,
Blatant interference
The military authorities have maintained strict controls on Aung
San Suu Kyi's travel outside the capital since freeing her from six years of
house arrest in 1995.
Last month she was involved in a nine-day stand-off with police,
after leaving her home and attempting to drive to a party meeting outside the
capital.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy flies to
The United Nations' special envoy on
Mr Razali is also expected to meet the opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi who has been under virtual house arrest since she was barred from
travelling to the northern city of
His visit comes as the military government renews its attacks on
western countries, accusing them of working with the opposition to destabilise
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide victory in elections in 1990, but the military rulers refused to hand
over power.
She was placed under house arrest for six years until 1995 and
hundreds of her supporters have been jailed.
Human rights
Mr Razali, a Malaysian diplomat, has kept his schedule for the
four-day talks a closely-guarded secret.
The UN is only saying that he will discuss "continuing
violations of human rights" in
Mr Razali was appointed as special envoy on
His first trip under UN auspices in July apparently produced few
tangible results.
Reports said Mr Razali would meet Foreign Minister Win Aung, Home
Minister Colonel Tin Hlaing and the head of intelligence, First Secretary Khin
Nyunt.
Plotting
On Sunday a state-run newspaper accused the
The Myanmar Alin paper also said anyone confronting the government
was "committing high treason" and that the military would annihilate
any danger to national sovereignty.
The opposition leader has not been seen since the authorities
forcibly removed her from
The newspaper said her motive for travelling outside the capital
was to "incite and instigate unrest and riots".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy meets Burma's Suu Kyi
The United Nations special envoy to
Witnesses say the envoy, Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail, was
seen entering the opposition leader's home on Wednesday accompanied by local UN
officials.
Aung San Suu Kyi, who heads
Since then telephone lines to her house have been cut and
diplomatic access to her denied in what amounts to a de facto house arrest.
Mr Razali is on a four day visit to
In 1990 the party won an overwhelming victory in nationwide
elections but the military has refused to hand over power.
Military crackdown
Instead it has cracked down on the NLD's activities, jailing many
of its senior leaders without trial and placing strict restrictions on the
movements of others.
Earlier in the day Mr Razali held talks with the leader of the
Burmese junta, Senior General Than Shwe.
The meeting followed talks with another senior military figure in
the Burmese Government, intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt.
No details have emerged from the talks but correspondents say the
two meetings are the highest level contact the UN envoy has had with the
Burmese regime since he was appointed to the post in April this year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy meets Suu Kyi again
The United Nations special envoy to
The talks took place at the end of Mr Razali's four-day visit to
Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her party, the National
League for Democracy, have been held under virtual house arrest for nearly
three weeks since she was prevented by the authorities from travelling outside
Mr Razali refused to comment on what was discussed at the meeting,
but a UN official Patrice Cocur-Bizot said they talked about future
possibilities.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suu Kyi faces lawsuit over home
The Burmese pro-independence leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is being
sued by her elder brother for a share in the family home.
She has been summoned to appear in
Miss Suu Kyi's brother Aung San Oo lives in the
But the owners of the building temporarily abandoned the attempt
after they could not deliver the eviction notice to senior party members, who
are all under house arrest.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is being sued by her elder
brother for a share in the family home.
The Nobel laureate has been summoned to appear in Rangoon District
Court next Tuesday.
It is not clear whether the military authorities who are holding
her under house arrest will allow her to attend.
The lakeside villa where Aung San Suu Kyi lives was given to her
mother by the then civilian government after the 1947 assassination of her
father, General Aung San.
Her brother Aung San Oo lives in the
His legal representative in
Deadline
Their mother Khin Kyi, who died in 1988, is believed to have
wanted the villa to be shared equally between her two children.
Reports say that under Burmese law, inheritance disputes must be
settled within 12 years.
Aung San Oo's legal move comes just one month before that deadline
expires.
Unlike his sister, he is not openly critical of the government and
the two are known not to be close.
Ban
Aung San Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since 22 September,
when the government confined her to her home after she attempted to board a
train to
Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won the elections in
1990, but the military refused to hand over power.
Last month, there was an attempt to evict the NLD from its
headquarters.
But the owners of the building postponed the attempt when they
could not deliver the eviction notice to senior party members who are all under
house arrest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suu Kyi fights lawsuit
Lawyers for the Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi have
launched her defence in a property suit filed by her elder brother over the
ownership of the family home.
The lawyers appeared in court in the Burmese capital,
The judge adjourned the proceedings until next week.
Aung San Suu Kyi is being sued by her US-based brother for
half-ownership of the lakeside villa that has been the family home for more
than half-a-century.
The Nobel prize winner, who did not appear in court, has been under
house arrest for more than two months after she challenged restrictions on her
movements by trying to travel to the provinces to visit members of her National
League for Democracy party.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese restrictions eased
The Burmese military government says it's lifted some of the
restrictions on six senior members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for
Democracy.
But the government spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Hla Min said Aung
San Suu Kyi and two of her key party officials Tin Oo and Aung Shwe are still
being held under house arrest.
It was imposed more than two months ago, after they'd tried to
challenge a military ruling that they could not leave the capital,
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President Clinton will award the United States Presidential Medal
of Freedom to the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in a ceremony in
A White House spokesman Jake Siewert said Mr Clinton wanted to
honour Miss Suu Kyi for promoting democracy through peaceful dialogue.
The medal will be presented to her son Alexander Aris as Miss Suu
Kyi has been held under house arrest by the Burmese military government for the
past two months after she challenged restrictions on her movements by trying to
travel to the provinces to visit members of her party the National League for
Democracy.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clinton honours Burma's Suu Kyi
But Aung San Suu Kyi was unable to collect the Presidential Medal
of Freedom in person because she is under virtual house arrest in the Burmese
capital
"She sits confined, as we speak here, in her home in
Aung San Suu Kyi is already a Nobel Peace Prize winner because of
her opposition to the country's military rulers who have now confined her to
her home.
Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won a landslide
victory in elections in 1990 but the military authorities refused to hand over
power.
Bravery
Mr Clinton warned
Paying tribute to the democracy leader, he added: "She has
seen her supporters beaten, tortured and killed, yet she has never responded to
hatred and violence in kind. All she has ever asked for is peaceful dialogue.
"The only weapons the Burmese people have are the words of
reason and the example of this astonishingly brave woman." he added.
"
Aung San Suu Kyi was confined to her house in September after
trying to leave the capital to visit party supporters in
The authorities also placed her under house arrest for six years
from 1989 until 1995.
The Medal of Freedom was established by President Harry Truman as
a wartime honour. President John F Kennedy reintroduced it as way to honour
civilian service.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Son visits Burmese opposition leader
The younger son of the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, has arrived in
The son, Kim Aris, is accompanied by his wife and their young son.
They flew into
A statement by the Burmese military government wished the family
an enjoyable time during their reunion.
Meanwhile, in a legal case between Aung San Suu Kyi and her
brother, Aung San Oo, a Rangoon court has ordered his lawyers to hand over a
copy of the claim he has lodged for a half share in her house.
Aung San Suu Kyi's team have two weeks to present a challenge to
the claim.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope for Burmese opposition
The Burmese junta has reportedly said it is ready to lift restrictions on
opposition leaders.
The breakthrough came at the first meeting of European and
south-east Asian ministers in three years.
French Co-operation Minister Charles Josselin said: "The
Burmese explained to us that they have already lifted restrictions on some
opposition leaders and are ready to lift restrictions against some
others."
Mr Josselin told AFP news agency he understood this to include the
Nobel Peace prize winner Aung Sung Suu Kyi who has been effectively under house
arrest since September.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party (NLD) won
the general elections in 1990, but Burma's military rulers refused to hand over
power.
Mr Josselin said the Burmese delegation made its undertaking
during the meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations and European
Union ministers in
The two sides have not sat down together for three years because
of their differences over human rights in
'No problem'
European delegates are trying to secure an agreement from
They want the mission to be allowed to meet opposition leaders
such as Aung San Suu Kyi, minority groups and aid workers.
EU ministers are demanding all restrictions on NLD leaders be
lifted.
But Burmese Foreign Minister Win Aung told reporters in
"We don't have violations of human rights ... I can simply
tell the [ministers] what's happening in our country and I am not afraid to
face this sort of criticism," Win Aung added.
Asean countries have a policy of non-interference in member
countries' domestic affairs.
But European ministers said they had no intention of backing down
on the human rights issue.
"Human rights everywhere in the world is the rights of people
not of states," said Dutch minister of state Hans Van Mierlo.
Slighted
The other main issue at Monday's talks was the level of
representation.
The 10 Asean countries, who all sent their foreign ministers, were
upset that the European countries had only despatched junior ministers and
bureaucrats.
European delegates said this was because their foreign ministers
were tied up with the extended EU summit in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NLD activists imprisoned
Reports from
Those imprisoned include a member of parliament, Saw Naing Naing,
and a well-known poet, Pyapon Neelon Oo.
Sources from within the pro-democracy party say that the activists
were sentenced under the emergency act and an act outlawing the printing of
illegal documents.
A sixth activist was sentenced to seven years in jail.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New hopes for
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has arrived in
Mr Mahathir was due to meet the Burmese junta's head, Senior General
Than Shwe, chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council, on
Wednesday.
But reports said no meeting had been scheduled with opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under de facto house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won
the 1990 elections by a landslide, but the military refused to hand over power.
Efforts to achieve reconciliation in the country have been
spearheaded by Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail, the United Nations
secretary-general's special envoy to
Mr Razali, who was allowed to meet Aung San Suu Kyi last October,
arrives in the capital
He is the only diplomat who has been permitted to see the Nobel Peace
Prize winner since she was confined to her house in September as part of a
crackdown on the NLD.
'Payback time'
"It is irreversible that
"With Mahathir's personal assistance and risk-taking, this is
a great opportunity for
The paper said it was "payback time for the junta
leaders" following
Some member countries, in particular
Mr Mahathir, who last visited
On Thursday he will travel to the Burma-Thailand border to explore
opportunities in the fisheries, timber and mining sectors for Malaysian
companies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malaysian PM visits Burmese islands
Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, is visiting a group of islands in
the
It is believed he could be examining the feasibility of Malaysian
businesses establishing oil and rubber plantations on the islands.
Mr Mahathir's visit to
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won
the 1990 elections by a landslide, but the military refused to hand over power.
Trade
Mr Mahathir, long seen as a close ally of
The talks were said to cover increased economic co-operation and
trade.
No meeting has been scheduled between Mr Mahathir and Aung San Suu
Kyi, who has been confined to her home since September.
But diplomatic sources have said he is expected to urge the
generals to make some concessions to break the political deadlock during
private talks.
This has led to speculation that the restrictions on Aung San Suu
Kyi may be eased shortly, as a gesture to the Association of South East Asian
Nations (Asean).
But some member countries, in particular
UN envoy
A Malaysian opposition leader, Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad, has
meanwhile written an open letter urging Mr Mahathir to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.
Dr Syed Azman said it was important for South-East Asian countries
to voice their protests against human rights violations in
The United Nation special envoy Razali Ismail is due to visit
Dr Razali, who is also Malaysian, has been assurred of access to
Aung San Suu Kyi during his trip.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN Burma envoy in Rangoon
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The United Nations special envoy for
He is also expected to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi,
who is currently under virtual house arrest.
UN sources say Mr Razali, a senior Malaysian diplomat, is
confident he can help bridge the gap between the military and the opposition.
He arrives in Rangoon just as the Malaysian Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohammad is about to leave after talks with Burma's leaders on
economic and political issues.
Deadlock
This is Mr Razali's third visit since the UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan appointed him in April last year.
The UN has been involved in trying to break the deadlock between
Burma's military leaders and the pro-democracy opposition for more than ten
years.
But successive envoys, including a human rights rapporteur, have
made little progress in getting the two sides to talk.
Mr Razali is believed to be prepared to talk tough with Burma's
generals on this trip.
He is expected to urge them to be more conciliatory towards Aung
San Suu Kyi, and consider establishing some form of dialogue with her
opposition National League for Democracy (NLD).
Government sources in Kuala Lumpur say Mr Mahathir has strongly
urged Burma's military leaders to be less intransigent during his visit.
Democracy
Mr Razali has been assurred that he will have access to the
opposition leader during his visit.
This has led to speculation that the restrictions on Aung San Suu
Kyi may be eased as a gesture to the Association of South East Asian Nations
(Asean).
According to sources close to Mr Razali, he saw his previous
visits as familiarisation and fact-finding trips.
This time he wants to get down to business and discuss concrete
ideas with both parties that might resolve the political deadlock.
He will be trying to convince Burma's generals that economic
development and democracy go hand in hand.
But Burma's military rulers have steadfastly refused to hand over
power to a civilian government even though the NLD won the national elections
ten years ago.
So far they have ignored Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD's frequent
appeals for the military to enter a meaningful dialogue on the country's
political future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 8 January, 2001, 11:54 GMT
UN envoy meets Burma opposition leader
The United Nations special envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, has held
a second meeting with the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still
under house arrest.
Mr Ismail -- who is trying to start a dialogue between the
military rulers and the opposition -- made no comment after the two-hour
meeting, but correspondents say there are expectations that after three visits,
Mr Ismail's efforts may be beginning to achieve some results.
During his visit, he also held talks with representatives of the
military government. More details of the talks are expected to be made public
after Mr Ismail has briefed the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 9 January, 2001, 17:34 GMT
Suu Kyi meets military
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has met senior representatives of
the military government in the first such reported contact in five years.
The UN envoy to Burma Razali Ismail told the BBC that regular
contact was planned and the process of national reconciliation had begun.
He was speaking after a visit to Rangoon during which he met both
sides - even though Aung San Suu Kyi is under virtual house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide election victory in 1990, but the military refused to hand over
power.
"I think this [meeting] is extremely significant," Mr
Razali said. "It's what the UN and international community were hoping
would happen and we're very glad this has taken place."
Optimism
Mr Razali declined to name the military leaders who met Aung San Suu
Kyi, but said it was at a sufficiently high level that both sides were
satisfied.
Sources in Rangoon believe the military intelligence chief
Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt was involved.
Although the UN has confirmed the meeting no one is divulging any
details.
According to diplomats in Rangoon there is cautious optimism that
the country's political deadlock is in the process of being broken.
They believe recent international pressure may have unsettled the
country's military leaders and encouraged them to be more conciliatory towards
Aung San Suu Kyi
In November the International Labour Organisation demanded member
countries consider adopting economic sanctions against Rangoon.
The Association of South East Asian Nations, to which Burma was
admitted in 1997, has also played a constructive role.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was in Rangoon last
week, is understood to have told Burma's regime very forcefully that they
needed to be more conciliatory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 10 January, 2001, 12:04 GMT
UN welcomes secret Burmese talks
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed reports that Burma's
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secret talks with senior
representatives of the military government for several months.
The news came as the two sides held their first publicly announced
meeting in more than five years.
Those discussions coincided with a five-day mission by UN envoy
Razali Ismail that included talks with both sides in the political deadlock.
Mr Ismail told the BBC that continuing contact between the
military government and Aung San Suu Kyi's party was planned and the process of
national reconciliation had begun.
"I think this [meeting] is extremely significant," Mr
Razali said.
"It's what the UN and international community were hoping
would happen and we're very glad this has taken place."
US pleased
The United States, one of Aung San Suu Kyi's strongest supporters,
cautiously welcomed the news.
But Secretary of State Madeleine Albright warned that the military
rulers must treat the Nobel Prize-winning democracy activist seriously.
"She needs to be respected as a political leader and not as,
what was explained to me, a 'little sister' that they have to take care of by
keeping her in her house", Mrs Albright said.
Mr Ismail's meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi was her first contact
with an outside visitor in nearly three months; she is under virtual house
arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide election victory in 1990, but the military refused to hand over
power.
Optimism
Mr Razali declined to name the military leaders who met Aung San
Suu Kyi, but said it was at a sufficiently high level that both sides were
satisfied.
Sources in Rangoon believe the military intelligence chief
Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt was involved.
Although the UN has confirmed the meeting no one is divulging any
details.
According to diplomats in Rangoon there is cautious optimism that
the country's political deadlock is in the process of being broken.
They believe recent international pressure may have unsettled the
country's military leaders and encouraged them to be more conciliatory towards
Aung San Suu Kyi.
In November the International Labour Organisation demanded member
countries consider adopting economic sanctions against Rangoon.
The Association of South East Asian Nations, to which Burma was
admitted in 1997, has also played a constructive role.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was in Rangoon last
week, is understood to have told Burma's regime very forcefully that they
needed to be more conciliatory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 10 January, 2001, 12:31 GMT
Burmese talks welcomed, but with
skepticism
There's been a positive reaction to the announcement of talks
between the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the country's
military government.
A spokesman for the Burmese government in exile Maung Maung Aye
said that he hoped the meetings would build trust between the two sides, and
support true dialogue to achieve national reconciliation.
A Thailand-based dissident group, the All Burma Students
Democratic Front, has called the talks a historic breakthrough.
But the United States secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, has
added a note of caution, warning that it was necessary to wait and see whether
the Burmese government was offering genuine dialogue.
The meetings are the first between the two sides since 1994.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 10 January, 2001, 18:47 GMT
What's behind the Burmese talks?
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The international community has cautiously welcomed the news that
Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has met the country's military
leaders.
This was the first such face-to-face meeting for more than six
years and therefore must be significant.
At least the two sides appear to be talking to each other - that's
something that hasn't happened since before Aung San Suu Kyi's release from
house arrest in mid-1995.
But many people of course remain sceptical that a real dialogue
has actually begun.
Burma's military rulers have in the past tried to exploit
developments for their own purposes.
At present it is certainly in their interests to show they are
being more conciliatory towards the opposition leader.
Sanctions
Burma's military rulers are worried about the potential impact of
the International Labour Organisation's decision late last year to urge their
members to step up pressure on Rangoon to end forced labour and improve its
human rights record.
They fear that many countries might consider imposing economic
sanctions against Burma.
At the same time it's quite clear that the other South East Asia
leaders have been telling the Burmese Government privately that they should be
more conciliatory towards Aung San Suu Kyi.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a long-time supporter
of Burma, has led the way in this.
The UN envoy Razali Ismail said Mr Mahathir's visit to Burma last
week had been important in helping break the country's political deadlock.
It is probably no coincidence that immediately on his return from
Rangoon, Mr Mahathir announced plans to bring in workers from Burma for the
construction, manufacturing and plantation industries.
This will earn much needed foreign currency for Burma.
Family visit
Sources in the opposition National League for Democracy say their
position has always been clear; Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD have consistently
appealed to the generals to enter a dialogue.
The problem has always been the military's reluctance to do so.
But it does appear that Aung San Suu Kyi has been more conciliatory towards the
military recently.
This certainly seems to have been the case during the recent visit
of her son Kim, his partner and her grandson, when Aung San Suu Kyi allowed the
military to make the travel arrangements.
Some Rangoon residents are now speculating Aung San Suu Kyi has
been mellowed by the time she spent with her grandson in December.
Asean
But the major problem for Aung San Suu Kyi now is where can this
dialogue process go.
Only in December, at the EU-Asean meeting in Laos, the Burmese
foreign minister said the government was happy to talk to Aung San Suu Kyi
provided she admitted she was wrong.
While talks may be under way there is no evidence Burma's military
rulers are considering giving up power or even sharing it.
They have increased the strength of the army and are busy building
an organisational structure to support them.
The United Solidarity Development Association or USDA - the
government's so-called grassroots civilian organisation - is growing and boasts
more than 10 million members.
The military is also building hospitals and schools for its own
use, opening medical colleges and technical institutes.
But the army knows there are still major issues it hasn't been
able to tackle such as the country's massive Aids epidemic, the crisis in
education with most universities still effectively closed, and a rapidly
deteriorating economy.
The military rulers may feel these are issues which they can
discuss with Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD without compromising their hold on
power.
China
The UN envoy Mr Razali seems to have finally helped start a
dialogue of sorts between the two sides.
Although there are few details of what he discussed with both
parties, he says he's keen to find ways of strengthening the process.
He says he's also prepared to travel anywhere in the region if it
will help maintain the momentum. UN sources say he's planning to visit China
shortly.
Beijing has been one of Burma's most ardent supporters since the
military coup in 1988 brought the current crop of generals to power.
While it's obviously good the generals and Aung San Suu Kyi are
talking, the international community will also expect early signs of concrete
results.
Releasing the opposition leader from virtual house arrest and
freeing other NLD leaders who are currently detained would seem like a good
place to start.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 10 January, 2001, 22:49 GMT
Burmese talks welcomed, but with
skepticism
The British government has said it's encouraged by the
announcement that the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been
holding talks with the military government.
But a Foreign Office Minister, John Battle, said Britain had no
intention of relaxing pressure on the Burmese authorities to respect democracy
and human rights, until there was evidence of real progress.
Governments around the world cautiously welcomed the news of the
talks on Wednesday.
Analysts warned the process towards reconciliation would proceed
slowly. The meetings were the first since 1994, when similar discussions --
also between Aung San Suu Kyi and Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt -- made no
progress.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 14 January, 2001, 19:52 GMT
Burma "stops anti-opposition
propaganda"
Reports from Burma say the country's military authorities have ordered
the state media to halt its attacks on the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
The reports follow the confirmation last week of secret talks
between Miss Suu Kyi and members of the military government.
A BBC correspondent in the region says that if the reports about
the media are confirmed, they will strengthen hopes of a breakthrough in
Burma's long political stalemate.
Our correspondent says the United Nations special envoy on Burma,
Razali Ismail, is thought to have urged the military rulers to stop the hostile
propaganda as part of his bid to encourage dialogue between the two sides.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 15 January, 2001, 00:51 GMT
Burma 'halts' media attacks on Suu Kyi
By South East Asia correspondent Simon
Ingram
The Burmese authorities have reportedly ordered a halt to attacks
on the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in the state-run media.
Reports, quoting military sources follow confirmation last week of
secret talks between Miss Suu Kyi and senior figures in the ruling State Peace
and Development Council.
It is hoped the move will strengthen chances of a breakthrough in
Burma's long and debilitating political stalemate.
Vicious diatribes, often accompanied by equally insulting
cartoons, have long been a staple ingredient of Burma's tightly-controlled
press.
Press vitriol
Their prime target has been Aung San Suu Kyi, a woman depicted variously
as a witch, a traitor and an enemy of her people.
Many of the attacks on Miss Suu Kyi have been of a highly personal
nature - for example her marriage to the late British academic, Michael Aris
earned her particular scorn from Rangoon's media commentators.
The sneering tone and the vulgar language of these attacks became
thoroughly predictable.
However, they also underline the yawning political divide between
Burma's military rulers and Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party achieved a sweeping,
but still unrecognised, victory in 1990 parliamentary elections.
Hopes of dialogue
That seems to have been the point made by United Nations special
envoy Razali Ismail, who confirmed the contacts between Miss Suu Kyi and the
military leadership during a visit last week.
Mr Razali reportedly urged a halt to the hostile propaganda as
part of his bid to encourage a meaningful dialogue between the two sides.
The talks, which started in secret last October, have triggered
unusual optimism among opposition groups abroad.
But some worry that the government's real motive is to persuade
the international community to ease the pressure it is exerting on Rangoon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 22 January, 2001, 12:45 GMT
Suu Kyi home safe after ruling
A court in Burma has dismissed a suit
by the estranged brother of opposition leader Aung San Su Kyi over ownership
rights to her home.
Aung San Oo had wanted half of the family property where the
pro-democracy leader lives, under virtual house arrest.
The ruling is being seen as another sign of a thaw in the
military's treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi in a country where the courts are
strictly controlled by the authorities.
It came as Burma's pro-democracy leader takes part in
reconciliation talks with the ruling military government over their decade-long
political deadlock.
Aung San Oo, who lives in the United States, filed a suit last
year claiming the right to half of the large house in central Rangoon.
But Judge Soe Thein threw out his petition, citing technical
problems with the way it was filed.
The court ruled that Aung San Oo should have filed for
administration rights to the house, instead of seeking to partition it by
gaining a share of half the property.
A decision in his favour could have seen the Nobel Prize winner
evicted from the villa, once owned by their late mother.
Aung San Oo's case was believed to have been brought with the
tacit approval of the government.
Signs of a thaw
In addition to the talks recently begun between the opposition and
the government, cartoons and commentaries aimed at her and her National League
for Democracy (NLD) have suddenly ceased.
Aung San Suu Kyi and Aung San Oo are children of independence hero
General Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947 when the country was on the
threshold of independence from
Aung San Oo, is believed to disagree with his sisters's political
views, which have put her in direct confrontation with
The National League for Democracy party won the elections in 1990,
but the military refused to hand over power.
Aung San Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since September, when
the government confined her to her home after she attempted to board a train to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese opposition leader freed
A leading figure in
Tin Oo, the 74-year-old vice-chairman of the opposition National League
for Democracy, was detained in September with the group's leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, and several other campaigners.
They had attempted to leave the capital
The release follows recent mediation between the military
government and opposition, conducted by UN special envoy Razali Ismail.
The other National League for Democracy members detained with Tin
Oo have also been freed - with the exception of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under
virtual house arrest but is expected to be released soon.
In addition, 19 members of the league's youth wing are reported to
have been released.
However, it appears that Tin Oo is still under some restrictions,
such as being barred from receiving visitors.
BBC regional analyst Larry Jagan says Tin Oo's release is timed to
impress a European Union delegation that is due to arrive in
The delegation will examine the political situation and other
issues including the use of forced labour.
'Gesture of goodwill'
A National League for Democracy spokesman welcomed Tin Oo's
release.
"We feel that this may be a gesture of goodwill ahead of the
European Union delegation's visit," he said. "We hope that more
[releases] will follow."
In another sign of the easing of tension between the military and
the opposition, the state-controlled media recently stopped its vitriolic
attacks on Aung San Suu Kyi.
The National League for Democracy won an overwhelming 82% of the
vote in national elections in 1990, but the military refused to hand over
power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU mission examines
By Jonathan Head in
A delegation from the European Union has arrived in
They will be checking on the outcome of talks between the military
government and the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, at the end of last
year.
The contents of the meetings, the first for several years, have
not been revealed.
But they've raised hopes that the government may eventually be
willing to consider sharing power with the opposition.
Malaysian mediation
The delegation has been promised a meeting with the National
League for Democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still living under house
arrest in the capital,
Only then will they know her views on the meetings she is reported
to have had with one of the most important military officers.
Those meetings occurred after mediation by a Malaysian diplomat
working for the United Nations.
Malaysia and other members of the Association of South East Asian
Nations (Asean) have been applying diplomatic pressure to the regime in Rangoon
to make concessions to the opposition because of the damage Burma's membership
of Asean is doing to the bloc's relations with Western governments.
Power monopoly
The EU delegation will also be meeting key officials in the
military government to try to assess their intentions.
Until now, there have been few indications that the regime may be
willing to relax its monopoly on power.
Aung San Suu Kyi has also not yet abandoned her demand that the
generals accept the results of the 1990 elections, which were won by her
National League for Democracy.
If there is any prospect of a compromise in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU begins talks with Burma
A European Union (EU) delegation began
talks with
The visit comes amid cautious optimism that the country's
political deadlock is in the process of being broken.
Last week, the military released 84 members of the National League
for Democracy (NLD) from detention.
And
It has also emerged that the NLD's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has
been engaged in secret talks with senior military leaders for several months.
Breakthrough scepticism
The EU team was due to meet later on Monday with Foreign Minister
Win Aung and Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, the powerful head of military
intelligence.
It will also later meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still living
under house arrest in
The delegation hope to uncover the exact contents of the meetings
between the junta and NLD, the first for several years, which have not yet been
revealed.
Asian and Western governments have welcomed the talks but many
observers remain sceptical that a major breakthrough is in the offing.
Nevertheless, there is a new mood of optimism in
Elections
Mr Mahathir, who is said to have close relations with
"The elections will not be held this year or next. It should
be held in a few years," he said, adding the ruling junta was willing to
hold discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi to find solutions for the country.
The military has never recognised the outcome of a 1990 general
election in which the NLD won by a landslide.
"We feel that the benefits of the kind of liberal democracy
that we have in Asean countries should be exposed and made known to [
Until now, there have been few indications that the regime may be
willing to relax its monopoly on power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU team meets Suu Kyi
A European Union delegation visiting
It is reported to be only her second diplomatic contact in more
than four months.
The meeting was one of the conditions set by the EU
representatives for agreeing to travel to
The four-day visit, which began on Sunday, is aimed at breaking
the deadlock between the Burmese Government and Aung San Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy (NLD).
The NLD won by a landslide in the 1990 general election, but the
military has refused to hand over power.
Dialogue
On Monday, the EU delegation began talks with the country's
military government to urge them to move towards democracy. It met
Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, the powerful head of military intelligence.
Earlier this month, the United Nations revealed Aung San Suu Kyi
and senior government leaders had held secret meetings - the first between the
two sides in six years.
The pro-democracy leader herself has not commented publicly about
the talks, which are understood to have been with General Nyunt.
Celebrations
The EU is maintaining sanctions against the country because of
persistent human rights violations by the regime.
Asian and Western governments have welcomed the EU visit, but many
observers remain sceptical that a major breakthrough is in the offing.
Nevertheless, there is a new mood of optimism in
Last week, the military released 84 NLD members of from detention.
And the media's repeated attacks on Aung San Suu Kyi have recently
stopped.
Aung San Suu Kyi's only other diplomatic contact since September,
has been with UN special envoy Razali Ismail, who met her on two mediation
missions in October and January.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU hopeful over
The recent talks between
However, it warned that the reconciliation process between the two
sides was still fragile.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won the
1990 elections, but the military has refused to discuss relinquishing power.
The five EU delegates described their four-day visit to
They held five hours of talks with members of the military
government, including the powerful chief of intelligence, General Khin Nyunt,
and two hours with Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in
But they were given little information about the recent dialogue
between the military and the opposition.
Relations between the two sides are still so delicate that they
are keeping the content of their discussions confidential.
House arrest
However, the head of the EU delegation, Borje Ljunggren, said they
were encouraged by what they had heard.
"We had the impression that the contacts were the most
interesting development since 1990," he said after arriving in
But Mr Ljunggren warned that the process or reconciliation was
"not yet irreversible".
Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, has been
confined to her home since 22 September after she tried to travel outside
"We found her in a very good mood and well in all respects,
very focused on the questions she is concerned about," Mr Ljunggren said.
During their two hour meeting she was "full of humour and
wit", he added.
NLD members freed
The recent meetings between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military
rulers are the first direct talks between the two sides in six years.
There have also been several other signs that the military leaders
are softening their stance towards the NLD.
Last week, more than 80 NLD prisoners, including party
vice-chairman Tin Oo, were released from detention.
The media's repeated denunciations of the NLD have also suddenly
ceased.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American diplomats in
The official, Ralph Boyce, who is deputy asistant secretary for
east Asia, is the first American diplomat permitted to see Miss Suu Kyi since
she was put under house detention five months ago.
US diplomats say the purpose of the visit was to show
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By Southeast Asia analyst Larry Jagan
It is the first visit by a UN human rights expert in almost five
years.
The previous rapporteur was denied access to the country and
resigned last year.
Since his appointment two months ago, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro has
kept a low-profile.
Unlike his predecessors, he has not held extensive discussions
with diplomats, nor consulted human rights activists or Burmese opposition
figures.
UN sources say he has taken a discreet approach to his mission.
He is due to visit
Resolution ahead
Although no details of his schedule are available, he is expected
to meet
The visit is intended to provide the rapporteur with a chance to
assess first-hand the Burmese situation before the Human Rights Commission
discusses a resolution on
The UN has confirmed that Mr Pinheiro will address the commission
late next week.
Mr Pinheiro's predecessor, Rajsoomer Lallah was never allowed to
visit
Mr Pinheiro has also not adopted his predecessors' practice of
widely consulting the leaders and representatives of
Instead he has been discussing
Regional anxiety
He has held talks with
As a result, UN sources in
It is likely to be strongly critical of
Western diplomats in
There is also growing embarrassment that
Peer pressure
Some countries like
The Thais remain primarily concerned about the drugs trade in
Many analysts believe it is pressure from its neighbours,
particularly the Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad, which has
contributed to the Burmese generals taking a more conciliatory approach to Aung
San Suu Kyi.
There have been ongoing talks between the two sides since October.
These talks have been held in complete secret. And with little
concrete information coming out of
There has only been one confirmed face-to-face meeting between the
intelligence chief Lt General Khin Nyunt and Aung San Suu Kyi.
There is no doubt that the military authorities are keen to
exploit the situation and represent any movement to their advantage.
Hint of change
At recent official occasions, including last week's Army Day, the
country's leader General Than Shwe has hinted at the thaw in relations with
Aung San Suu Kyi.
He has even suggested that in the long-run democracy may even a
desirable form of government.
But there is no doubt that
After all, they established a National Convention to draw up a new
constitution which appears to be no closer to finishing its task than it was
when it started eight years ago.
While analysts are seeing Mr Pinheiro's trip to
Although the human rights rapporteur has been given access to
Sources close to the envoy believe
If this is the case the international community needs to be
careful in how far it endorses Burma's ruling military's new found flexibility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 5 April, 2001, 08:53 GMT
09:53 UK
Burma: historic UN, Suu Kyi meeting
The United Nations human rights envoy to Burma, Paulo Sergio
Pinheiro, has met the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in the capital,
Rangoon.
Mr Pinheiro was allowed to visit Miss Suu Kyi at her home in
Yangon where she's been under virtual house arrest since late last year.
He gave no details of the meeting.
Mr Pinheiro's tour of Burma to inspect human rights is the first
such visit to be allowed by the military regime in five years.
Correspondents say the move, together with talks between Miss Suu
Kyi and the country's rulers, is being seen as a sign that Rangoon is now
prepared to make conciliatory gestures on the democracy issue.
Mr Pinheiro has said he'll make a full report on his findings when
he returns to Geneva on Friday.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 5 April, 2001, 09:55 GMT
10:55 UK
Envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi
UN special human rights envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro has met opposition leader
Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital Rangoon.
Aung San Suu Kyi, who leads the National League for Democracy, has
been kept under virtual house arrest by the military regime since September
last year.
A car carrying Mr Pinheiro was seen entering the compound of her
home.
He stayed for just over one hour - but no details of the meeting
are available.
Mr Pinheiro's three-day visit to Burma is the first of its kind in
nearly five years and is being seen as a sign that significant changes are
taking place in Rangoon.
'Exploratory' talks
The UN envoy met a senior figure from the National League for
Democracy on Wednesday - although it was not clear at that stage if Burma's
generals would permit a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mr Pinheiro, who ends his visit on Thursday, has also held talks
with senior figures in the military, and visited a gas pipeline project
south-east of Rangoon.
Mr Pinheiro has given little away about his talks - except to
describe them as "exploratory".
He has already spent nearly a week in the region talking to
Burma's neighbours, including Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.
Slow progress
Analysts believe that the military government has permitted Mr
Pinheiro to visit Burma in the hope of deflecting criticism of the country's
human rights record.
Another hopeful sign recently has been the renewed dialogue
between the government and Aung San Suu Kyi.
However, BBC correspondent Jonathan Head says if there is movement
towards reform, it is happening very slowly.
He says it is too soon to say if Burma's generals are ready to
relax their hold on power.
The military took over in 1988 after suppressing a pro-democracy
uprising.
They refused to honour the result of elections in 1990, which were
won by the National League for Democracy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 6 April, 2001, 21:49 GMT 22:49
UK
Suu Kyi's brother renews legal battle
The estranged brother of the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, is reported to have renewed his attempt to lay legal claim to her
home.
Aung San Oo, who lives in the United States, had a previous
petition to secure a half share in the family property dismissed by a Burmese
court in January.
Correspondents say that although the court's decision was based on
a technicality, it indicated a more tolerant stance by the military government
towards Aung San Suu Kyi with whom it started secret talks last October.
A lawyer for Miss Suu Kyi said the opposition leader was unhappy
with the timing of the renewed law suit. Miss Suu Kyi has been confined to the
property, said to be worth two-million dollars, for much of the time since
returning to Burma from Europe in 1988.
Unconfirmed Reports say the new case will be heard on the 23rd of
April.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 23 April, 2001, 12:54 GMT
13:54 UK
Suu Kyi's brother reopens house claim
A court case has opened in Burma in a renewed effort by the
brother of the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to secure a half share in the
family home in Rangoon.
The lakeside property is said to be worth two million dollars.
Miss Suu Kyi has lived there since she returned to Burma 13 years
ago; much of the time she's been under house arrest.
A previous case was dismissed in January, in what correspondents
saw as an indication of a softening of the Burmese military government's stance
towards Miss Suu Kyi.
She is reported to be unhappy about the reopening of the hearing,
which has been adjourned for a week.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 2 May, 2001, 15:55 GMT
16:55 UK
Inside Burma: Opposition fights on
By Jonathan Head in Rangoon
Volunteers tap out a newsletter in the back of an old office in
Rangoon. The office is the last refuge of the National League for
Democracy(NLD), the party that won Burma's last election.
The party won a landslide victory in the 1990 election but the
military authorities refused to hand over power.
Crowds still throng the dilapidated NLD headquarters, drawn in by
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who continues her campaign against military rule from
house arrest.
But party leaders admit that years of repression, are taking their
toll.
"We cannot keep up our membership, some are getting old, some
are getting disease or something like that and some were forced by security
people to leave the party," said U Lwin, the party's Executive Secretary,
"so we're reduced to the very bare minimum."
'Not stalled'
So the news of a secret dialogue between the generals and Aung San
Suu Kyi has been grasped by a people hungry for change.
But after eight months and no visible progress, there are fears
here that the talks may be grinding to a halt. That prompted the military
regime to break its silence this week at a gathering in Burma of ministers from
the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean).
The regime insisted the talks were going well.
"The question of... this process being stalled is not
correct, it's not stalled. And we hope that this process, which is very much
complex and delicate, should be... discussed right now," Burmese Foreign
Minister Win Aung told the meeting.
Burma now lags decades behind its neighbours. Its hard-pressed
people desperately need an end to the deadlock between Aung San Suu Kyi and the
military. For them the pace of political change is painfully slow.
Burma's rulers though, are in no hurry to see an end to their
control over the country. The road to a better future for its people could
still be a very long one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 3 May, 2001, 14:31 GMT 15:31
UK
Burmese talks feared stalled
By South-East Asia analyst Larry Jagan
There is growing concern in Burma that talks between the military
authorities and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi have stalled.
The dialogue, which started nearly seven months ago, has been
taking place in complete secrecy.
Neither side had said anything publicly until earlier this week
when Burma's Foreign Minister, Win Aung, told journalists in Rangoon that the
process was not just a publicity stunt and was progressing according to plan.
Both sides have also refrained from criticising each other. But,
according to senior opposition sources, there have been no direct talks between
the two sides for more than two months.
Two-month silence
Although the Burmese foreign minister said dialogue was
progressing well, diplomats in Rangoon fear the process is in fact in danger of
complete collapse.
They believe the UN special envoy, senior Malaysian diplomat
Razali Ismail, needs to return to Rangoon immediately to help revive them.
Mr Razali told the BBC that he was keen to return to Rangoon and
was working on a date with the military authorities.
But while Mr Razali remains hopeful, the Burmese Government so far
has has not agreed to a new visit.
And privately they have told diplomats that it's not likely to
happen in May.
Opposition sources believe this is probably because the generals
are not anxious to have their public relations advantage dented.
Mr Razali is one of the few people who has access to the
opposition leader and is able to assess the state of the talks.
Frustration
Senior leaders in the National League for Democracy believe Aung
San Suu Kyi is increasing frustrated by the lack of progress being made,
including the failure of the military authorities to keep several promises such
as releasing more political prisoners.
They also believe that Aung San Suu Kyi now wants all restrictions
on her movement lifted. She accepted them initially when the talks were at a
confidence-building stage.
Now that they have stalled, say NLD leaders, only the military
authorities benefit from her continued detention.
The international community is also increasingly anxious to see
some concrete results from the talks.
So far the Burmese generals have been complimented for starting
the dialogue process, and although the international community wants to
encourage it they may soon run out of patience.
The International Labour Organisation will review Burma's use of
forced labour at its annual general meeting in Geneva next month.
And the generals will certainly have to provide concrete evidence
of change if they are to avoid another stronger censure being passed at that
meeting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 24 May, 2001, 16:46 GMT
17:46 UK
Envoy's drive to boost Burma talks
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The United Nations envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, will visit Burma
again next week.
Diplomats in Rangoon said he would meet the opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi and leaders of the military junta.
The Malaysian diplomat, who has only been in this job for a little
over a year, helped broker talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's generals.
These talks have been held in complete secrecy, with both sides
refusing to reveal details of the dialogue.
But there have been fears recently that these talks had stalled.
As a result there has been growing demands from both the
opposition and the international community for Burma's generals to allow Mr
Razali to return to Rangoon to help the dialogue process progress.
Talks stalled
Senior opposition sources told the BBC that Aung San Suu Kyi had
been urging the envoy to come to Burma to help restart talks between her and
the generals.
Last month the Burmese foreign minister Win Aung denied that the
talks had stalled and that they were merely a publicity stunt.
According to NLD sources, contact between Aung San Suu Kyi and the
military authorities resumed last week after more than two months.
For several months now the Burmese military has refused to allow
the UN envoy to visit, although Mr Razali insists that he was just waiting for
arrangements to made.
Back on track
Analysts believe that Mr Razali's forthcoming trip to Burma is
evidence that talks may be back on track.
There has clearly been a softening within the military over the
last month.
Apart from Mr Razali's visit, the ILO made an unpublicised trip to
Burma last week to work out an accord with the Burmese government on monitoring
the eradication of forced labour in the country.
Details of the agreement will be revealed at the ILO meeting in
Geneva next month.
Diplomats in
But there are signs that the Burmese military are realising that
the only way to end their international isolation is to accommodate Aung San
Suu Kyi.
At the moment both the government and the opposition leader have
agreed to keep the content of their talks confidential.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy seeks
A United Nations special envoy has begun a fresh attempt to inject impetus into
talks between
The envoy, Razali Ismail, was met on
arrival in the capital
During the visit he will hold talks with
other members of the military government and the opposition leader, Aung San
Suu Kyi.
Mr Razali is scheduled to meet one of the
three main leaders in the regime, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, on Saturday.
He will also meet with representatives of
ethnic minorities, according to his official programme.
It is not yet clear when he will meet
with Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been holding closed-door negotiations with junta
leaders while being kept under virtual house arrest.
Secret talks
This is Mr Razali's fourth visit since
his appointment as the UN special envoy to
After a visit in January, he broke the
news that the junta and the opposition had been holding secret talks since last
October.
His latest visit has assumed greater
significance in the light of reports by diplomats that the talks were not
showing any progress.
A BBC correspondent in the region says
that because nothing concrete appears to have emerged after seven months, there
is growing international concern that the military leadership is using the
talks to deflect criticism of their rule.
Both parties have agreed to keep the
content of the dialogue confidential.
Last month the government denied that the
talks were stalled and Foreign Minister Win Aung said the negotiations were not
merely a "publicity stunt" to appease the West.
House arrest
Until October, the junta had consistently
refused to negotiate with the opposition if Aung San Suu Kyi took part.
The change of heart is believed to have
been brought about by Mr Razali, a Malaysian, as well as Malaysian Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohammad.
The junta has come under widespread
criticism, mainly by the West, for refusing to hand over power to Aung San Suu
Kyi's National League for Democracy party, which won the 1990 general
elections.
Instead, NLD members have been subjected
to harassment and arrests.
Its leader has lived under
virtual house arrest since 22 September, when she tried to defy a long-standing
travel ban.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The talks between
US Assistant Deputy Secretary of State Ralph Boyce told
journalists in
There had been growing speculation since the United Nations Burma
envoy completed his mission to Rangoon earlier this week that the talks which
he helped broker last year were about to restart.
The UN remains optimistic that the dialogue process between Aung
San Suu Kyi and the Burmese generals is about to enter a new phase.
Political prisoners
According to UN sources in
The UN believes this would be a concrete gesture which needs to
happen before the end of June if the dialogue process is to move forward.
The talks have been held in secret with no details of the
discussions being made public.
But diplomatic sources in
It is also clear now that the process has been stalled for several
months.
Prisoners
The UN hopes that it can help the dialogue through the
intervention of its envoy - Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail.
He has just completed a visit to
The hope now is that the two sides will resume a meaningful
dialogue.
Diplomats in
Senior opposition sources told the BBC that the military have been
urged to release them in stages, starting with those who are elderly (over 60
years) or ill, followed by those who have already completed their sentences.
The military have also been asked to remove the restrictions on
the movement of all senior NLD leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and her
deputy Tin Oo, and to allow the party's offices to reopen throughout the
country.
The talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and
the Burmese generals are currently at a very precarious stage and only a good-will
gesture from the military can help keep them on track.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
Sources in
There had been fears that the talks had stalled, but a visit by
the UN special envoy, Razali Ismail earlier this month seems to have broken the
deadlock.
The issue of political prisoners has been at the heart of the
dialogue process between Aung San Suu Kyi and
The opposition leader has continually asked the military authorities
to release political prisoners as a gesture of good faith. This should have
happened in January after the UN envoy's visit to
The failure to release them was seen as a sign that the talks
between the two sides had stalled.
Dialogue
But diplomatic sources in
Senior members of the National League for Democracy told the BBC
that at least 18 local offices were about to be reopened. These are both clear
signs that the dialogue process is back on track.
Before he left
He also gave the Generals a letter from Aung San Suu Kyi in which
she outlined the steps they should take as part of the dialogue process. These
included the release of political prisoners, removing the restrictions on her
and other senior opposition leaders and allowing the NLD to function normally.
She also wants other members of the NLD to be involved in the
dialogue process. Diplomatic sources in
If that is the case then more releases of political prisoners can
be expected in the next week or so.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The military authorities said the five are all members of Aung San
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).
More than a dozen political prisoners were freed last week. These
releases are seen as a sign that talks between
The NLD convincingly won the 1990 elections but have never been
allowed to govern.
Secret talks
The talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military authorities
have been held in strict secrecy, with neither side making any public comment
on the details of the dialogue.
So analysts are always looking for signs that the talks are making
progress. The military authorities' release of political prisoners is seen as
one of those signs.
Sources in the military government have also hinted that more
releases are likely in the next few weeks.
A senior opposition source told the BBC that more than half the
NLD offices in
UN demands
These measures were high on the list of demands the UN special
envoy, Razali Ismail gave the generals earlier this month to prove that the
talks were making progress.
The issue of political prisoners has been at the heart of the
dialogue process between Aung San Suu Kyi and
According to opposition sources, Aung San Suu Kyi has urged the
generals to allow the NLD to function normally and wants the restrictions on
her and other senior opposition leaders removed.
She also wants other members of the NLD to be involved in the dialogue
process.
Confidence building
Diplomatic sources in
They will be more inclined to believe the talks are making real
progress when the restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi are lifted.
Sources in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN welcomes
The United Nations has welcomed the decision by the Burmese military
authorities to release from detention five opposition activists.
Twelve others had been released last week.
A UN spokesman said the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, hoped that
the latest releases would prove a boost to ongoing talks between the military
government and the leader of the opposition National League for Democracy
(NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi.
No news has been released on the progress of the talks, which
started last year and have been conducted in secret.
The NLD won elections in
The BBC's regional analyst Larry Jagan says sources in the
military government have hinted that more releases are likely in the next few
weeks.
UN role
Earlier this month the UN special envoy Razali Ismail met
His visit is thought to have broken the deadlock after fears that
the talks had broken down.
Before he left
However, diplomats will be more inclined to believe the talks are
making real progress when the restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi are lifted.
Sources in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Jonathan Head in
The nine were members of parliament for the National League for
Democracy (NLD) party, led by the Nobel prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
No reason has been given for the releases. But they are believed
to be the result of the secret dialogue, begun in August last year, between
Aung San Suu Kyi and
Getting her party members released has been one of the key demands
of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military now seems prepared to meet that demand.
Twenty three people have been freed this month from detention in
government 'guest houses'.
It is believed that only around a dozen NLD members, detained
during the military crackdown over the past three years, now remain in custody.
Branches reopen
The authorities have also allowed the party to reopen some of its
local branches, closed down in 1998.
The next significant step for the military to take would be to
ease the restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi, who is confined to her home in
But beyond these gestures of goodwill, it is not clear whether the
dialogue is making progress on substantive issues, in particular over any form
of power sharing between the generals and the opposition.
Neither side will say anything about the talks, except to describe
them as very delicate.
It is believed that a significant number of the military
commanders who now rule
They fear popular retribution if they relax their hold on power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A cousin of the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
has been released from detention.
Aye Win - formerly a close aide to Miss Suu Kyi - had served five
years for subversion.
His release means that more than 20 opposition political activists
have been freed in recent weeks.
Correspondents say this a sign that progress is being made in
talks between Miss Suu Kyi and the military authorities.
She is still being held under virtual house arrest.
The opposition National League for Democracy won elections in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burma releases opposition MPs
The politicians were released because of progress in recent talks
between the ruling military and the NLD, a military government spokesman told
the Reuters news agency.
The move brings the total number of opposition members released in
recent weeks to 29.
The seven are the last of nearly 200 MPs who were detained three
years ago when the party tried to convene a parliament, an official statement
said.
However hundreds of other non-elected party members remain in
prison
Analysts say the move is a sign that the authorities are easing
restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi's party, which won general elections in 1990
but was not allowed to take power.
Good health
"The remaining seven NLD MPs staying at government
guesthouses in
The government refers to some of its places of detention as
"guest houses".
The spokesman said all seven were in good health.
Burmese authorities have released 27 NLD members and two members
of an ethnic minority political party since the middle of June.
In recent weeks the government has also allowed the NLD to reopen
a number of offices, including one in the centre of the capital,
Opposition sources say they believe all the NLD offices throughout
the country will be operating normally by the end of the month.
Caution
Diplomats in
The true test of whether the talks are entering a new phase, they
say, will be the release Aung San Suu Kyi and the other two members of the
central executive, Tin U and Aung Shwe, who have been held under house arrest
since last September.
This could happen in the next few weeks before the UN envoy Razali
Ismail is due to return to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opposition prisoners freed in
The military government in
The releases came on the eve of Martyr's Day on Thursday, which
marks the anniversary of the 1947 assassination of Aung San, the father of the
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
They have been welcomed as a sign of possible progress in
continuing talks between the opposition and the government.
Among those freed were a prominent journalist, San San Nwe, and a
noted writer and opposition member of parliament, Aung Khin Sint.
Many still imprisoned
According to an official statement all 11 are "all in good
health".
Their release brings the total number of activists freed from
prison over the past week to 20, but human rights activists say there are still
over 1,800 political prisoners in
"Most of those released today were arrested between 1996 and
1997 and have been detained at Insein prison and prisons in Thayet, Magwe
Division in central
Critical of government
San San Nwe is a former journalist and novelist who was sentenced
in August 1994 to 10 years in prison.
He had allegedly given information to foreign journalists and
diplomats "against or critical of the government in order to make foreign
governments misunderstand the government".
The human rights group, Amnesty International, and other
organisations say she suffered from ill health in detention.
The releases are the latest in a series of conciliatory moves by
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi has failed to appear at a national ceremony marking the assassination of
her father.
It was the first time in six years the pro-democracy activist has not
turned up at the Martyr's Day event in the Burmese capital,
Correspondents say Aung San Suu Kyi's absence could indicate that
talks between the opposition and the military government are not going well.
Aung San Suu Kyi remained at her home and gave no explanation why
she had not attended.
'Her decision'
There was no indication the government barred her from going.
Aung San Suu Kyi is not formally under house arrest, but has
stayed at her residence because of restrictions on her meetings and movements.
Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was represented at
the ceremony by members of her National League for Democracy [NLD].
An NLD spokesman said: "This is her decision. She asked us to
go there."
The party won elections in 1990, but
The NLD has been in negotiations with the government since October
1990, but no information has been released as to their progress.
"We have to work very cautiously," the NLD's secretary,
U Lwin, told the BBC's East Asia Today programme on Thursday.
Detainees released
Foreign diplomats who have had access to Aung San Suu Kyi said the
talks appeared to have stalled earlier this year, but the NLD has nevertheless
won some concessions.
The Burmese Government has released 151 NLD detainees and the
party has been given permission to reopen 18 of its offices.
Eleven NLD activists, including four elected members of parliament
and a prominent journalist, were released from jail on the eve of Martyr's Day.
The occasion commemorates the assassination in 1947 of Aung San,
Burma's independence leader and its first prime minister.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By regional analyst Larry Jagan
The failure of
Secret talks between the military authorities and the opposition
leader have been going on for more than seven months.
But the talks appear to have produced few concrete results,
despite the release of more than 150 political prisoners since January.
Both Aung San Suu Kyi and
Snub
Aung San Suu Kyi has clearly rebuffed the military authorities by
not attending the Martyr's Day event although she sent a senior party
representative in her place.
At the official ceremony, U Lwin said he was representing Aung San
Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy (NLD) on her
instructions.
"It was her decision not to attend the ceremony," U Lwin
told party members.
Opposition sources told the BBC that they believe she did not
attend because the military authorities had not done enough to meet the minimum
goodwill gestures she had requested in June through the UN envoy envoy for
These include the release of political prisoners and the removal
of restrictions on her and two other senior party leaders.
The military insist that they are working on building trust and
have released many of the country's political prisoners. More than 50 have been
released since the UN envoy's last visit to
Key demand
Human rights groups estimate that there are still nearly 2,000
political prisoners still in Burmese jails.
But the opposition leader suggested to the military authorities
that there are five categories of prisoners that should be released as soon as
possible. According to diplomats in
They believe there are some 200 political prisoners who fall into
the other categories that the opposition leader wants released before the end
of July.
The most crucial demand though is probably the removal of the
restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi and two other members of the NLD central
executive, Tin U and Aung Shwe. They have been held under virtual house arrest
since last September when they tried to leave
A senior opposition source said he thought the opposition leader
was not prepared to go to the ceremony unless she was unconditionally released
from house arrest.
According to a Burmese Government source, the generals were
surprised by Aung San Suu Kyi's failure to attend Thursday's ceremony,
particularly as they had released 11 political prisoners day before, including
Dr Aung Khin Zint who is seen as a key member of the NLD and close to the
opposition leader and the writer Nway Nway San.
They will also see this as a clear message to the international
community that the talks have stalled again. So far the military have tried to
take the maximum credit for the minimum concessions to the NLD.
As one western diplomat told the BBC: "The Burmese military
leaders will only do as much as is necessary to deflect international criticism
of their intransigence. They want to drag the process out as long as
possible."
The Burmese military will now have to prove that they are really
committed to the process of confidence-building - something they have already
privately assured the opposition leader and the international community.
Already a return visit by the UN envoy is being delayed.
Although no one believes the talks have irretrievably broken down,
most analysts believe they have stalled again. This may also be because the
talks are on the verge of entering new phase.
Only more concessions by the military can keep the talks from
being derailed altogether.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese government regrets no show
The Burmese military government has
described as regrettable the decision by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi not
to attend the annual ceremony marking her father's assassination.
In a statement the government said it had expected her to attend
Thursday's ceremony as she had done in recent years, and said it regretted her
absence but respected her decision.
Aung San Suu Kyi - who is under virtual house arrest in
Observers say the gesture fell short of a full snub to the
military government, and appeared to be a protest against the travel
restrictions imposed on her and other senior opposition leaders.
Secret talks
In a statement on Friday, a senior spokesman in military regime
said: "Yes, we expected Aung San Suu Kyi to attend the Martyrs' Day
ceremony.
"The nation regrets her absence and the government has
nothing to say but to respect her decision."
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secret talks with
the military since October, which political observers say appear to be
progressing slowly.
"She's sending messages about her own situation as much as
anything else," one diplomat said. "And it was interesting the choice
was to let the NLD be represented by people who were actually free to travel.
"I think she's making a point there."
Speculation that Aung San Suu Kyi's absence was a sign the talks
had stalled was a "storm in a teacup," another diplomat said.
Foreign diplomats who have had access to Aung San Suu Kyi said the
talks appeared to have stalled earlier this year, but the NLD has nevertheless
won some concessions.
The Burmese Government has released 151 NLD detainees and the
party has been given permission to reopen 18 of its offices.
Eleven NLD activists, including four elected members of parliament
and a prominent journalist, were released from jail on the eve of Martyr's Day.
The occasion commemorates the assassination in 1947 of Aung San,
Burma's independence leader and its first prime minister.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Burmese activists released
The military government in
The two people freed - Nge Ma Ma and her husband, Myint Swe - were
sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1997 for attempting to smuggle a videotape
of speeches by Aung San Suu Kyi out of the country.
The military has already released more than 150 detainees this
year, in what correspondents say appears to be a sign of progress in
negotiations between the regime and the democratic opposition.
However, human rights groups say the Burmese authorities still
have at least 1,500 opposition activists in detention. The Japanese Foreign
Minister, Makiko Tanaka, has meanwhile called for further releases during talks
with her Burmese counterpart Win Aung, in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They are all members of the National League for Democracy (NLD),
and were elected to parliament in 1990 when Aung San Suu Kyi's party
convincingly won the polls.
A spokesman for the NLD said the MPs had been in detention since
1996.
So far this year the military authorities have released more than
150 dissidents.
Secret talks
This follows secret talks between the opposition leader, Aung San
Suu Kyi, and the Burmese generals.
The contacts, sponsored by the United Nations through its special
envoy Razali Ismail, are aimed at paving the way for a full-scale dialogue of
national reconciliation.
Although both sides refuse to discuss the details of the talks
publicly, opposition sources have long said the release of political prisoners
was part of the trust-building measures that had been agreed on by the two
sides.
A senior NLD member told the BBC he thought the military
authorities should now release all the remaining political prisoners.
Amnesty International estimates there are nearly 2,000 political
prisoners still being held in
Diplomats in
Signs of Change
But there are other signs that the Burmese generals are trying to
improve their international image.
The Ministry of Information in
Government sources told the BBC the new station will be piloted
early in August and is intended to give an informed version of developments in
Initially it will only broadcast three hours of news programmes.
But it in the future is expected to included a range of programmes including
cultural performances and sport.
More releases expected
Analysts believe that the launch of the new television station
indicates that
Diplomats believe the next few weeks are going to crucial to the
dialogue process. The next step, they say, must be the release of the three
senior NLD leaders from house arrest, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
This may well happen later this month in time for the UN envoy's
return to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Larry Jagan in
The Burmese military government has announced the lifting of
restrictions on two senior leaders of the country's pro-democracy movement.
They are Aung Shwe, who's chairman of the National League for
Democracy, and Tin Oo, the party's vice-chairman. Both men have been under
virtual house arrest for almost a year.
The move comes just a day before the United Nations special envoy
for
Mr Razali is likely to meet both the generals and the head of the
National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still under
restriction.
The UN envoy is believed to have helped initiate the talks between
the two sides, which started nearly a year ago. So far there have been few
concrete results from the talks.
But the release of two of the National League for Democracy's
(NLD) most senior leaders on the eve of the envoy's visit has raised
expectations that the dialogue process is about to enter a new phase.
Razali Ismail - who has only been acting as a go-between for about
18 months - seems to have convinced
Nearly 200 political prisoners have been released since the
beginning of the year and NLD local offices are being allowed to reopen.
'Real hope'
This latest gesture is being seen by diplomats in
Fears remain, however, that the military is only doing the minimum
necessary to prevent the talks from collapsing.
But the international community is beginning to see real hope of
democratic change in
Senior diplomats from Britain, the US and Japan, who have all made
visits to Burma in the last few weeks and met both Aung San Suu Kyi and the
generals, are convinced that the talks are about to enter a new phase.
Mr Razali's trip is well timed and should be a good indicator of
what progress is actually being made.
The military, of course, are hoping to hear that the international
community may be prepared to end the country's economic isolation, but that
will only happen when the military makes more significant concessions than they
have done so far.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese opposition backs talks
The UN envoy, Razali Ismail, is in
On Monday, the National League for Democracy released a statement
saying Aung San Suu Kyi would continue to "strive for the realisation of
democracy".
The NLD overwhelmingly won elections in 1990 but the military
junta refused to give up power.
Aung San Suu Kyi has had various restrictions placed on her
activities ever since, but for nearly a year she has been holding secret talks
with the military, with Mr Razali as a go-between. One of her key demands is
thought to be the release of political prisoners.
Nearly 200 political prisoners have been released since the
beginning of the year and NLD local offices are being allowed to reopen.
Optimism
On Sunday the military government announced it was lifting the
restrictions on NLD chairman Aung Shwe and the party's vice-chairman, Tin Oo.
Both men have been under virtual house arrest since last September when they
defied an informal travel ban.
After their release Aung Shwe and Tin Oo visited Aung San Suu Kyi
at her home, where she remains confined for defying the same travel ban by
trying to visit the northern city of
Tin Oo said she was "working hard for the success of the
talks" and in Monday's statement the NLD executive committee said it was
"totally supportive" of its leader.
"Aung San Suu Kyi expressed great satisfaction in seeing that
Aung Shwe and Tin Oo and the rest of the members will now be able to be active
in their party affairs," the statement said.
Mr Razali, a Malaysian diplomat, is expected to meet Aung San Suu
Kyi twice during his four-day visit. He will also meet military leader Than
Shwe and the chief of military intelligence Khin Nyunt.
The talks have been deadlocked for some time, but our
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By regional analyst Larry Jagan in
Bangkok
The talks between
While there is no official word from any of the parties involved,
the UN's special envoy, Razali Ismail said the UN would issue a statement in due
course.
Talks between the two sides began nearly a year ago and were
initiated by the envoy's efforts. They have been held in secret with neither
side revealing the substance of the talks.
Earlier this year many observers feared that they had stalled but
Mr Razali's visit in June gave the dialogue process new impetus.
Since then more than 60 political prisoners have been released;
the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) has been allowed to open
many of its offices; and, most significantly, on the eve of Mr Razali's visit
two other senior leaders of the NLD, Chairman Aung Shwe and Vice-Chairman Tin
Oo were released.
Everyone is being tight-lipped about the talks. The Burmese
official media have not even reported his visit. This is because the talks have
reached a particularly sensitive stage say Rangoon-based analysts.
Air of expectation
But there is an air of expectation in
Sources in the UN told the BBC that they expected further releases
of political prisoners as a result of Mr Razali's current trip.
How many, and who, they say will reflect how serious
At present the NLD says they are still at the confidence-building
stage. They are anxious too for them to pick up pace.
"This can only happen if the military are prepared to release
more political prisoners" a senior NLD member, U Lwin, told the BBC.
He said the party's leaders understood they couldn't all be
released immediately, and had submitted a list of priority categories.
"But the bottom-line," he said, "is the release of all political
prisoners within an agreed time-framework."
Human rights groups believe there are more than 1,500 political
prisoners in
International assistance
The next stage must involve some discussion of international
assistance to
The Europeans and Japanese want to encourage the talks, but are reluctant
to take any action which might slow the pace of the talks.
Many observers still believe the military regime are only making
the minimum concessions necessary in order to deflect international criticism
of its conduct.
But the NLD has also begun to discuss the need to allow what it
calls limited humanitarian assistance from the international community.
"The party's leaders are prepared to accept some aid
international," U Lwin told the BBC, "for agreed programmes like
health and education. However that can only be some time in the future when the
military have met some agreed benchmarks," he said.
Gathering momentum?
The Burmese military leaders are aware that they have now ventured
down a path which will gather its own momentum.
Several government ministers have told visiting diplomats that
they are serious about the talks and regard it as the last chance to save
However as yet that sentiment has not been turned into anything
concrete.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By regional analyst Larry Jagan in
But a spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for
Democracy told the BBC he knew of no such proposal.
"The talks are going well," he told journalists.
"There may be good news soon."
But the NLD spokesman, U Lwin, told the BBC "there was in
fact no dialogue process going on at present."
He added: "We are waiting for the military to make an
offer."
U Lwin said the party was waiting for more releases of political
prisoners and were very hopeful that this might happen in the near future.
Thai interests
The talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and
But it is in
The government is keen to deflect opposition criticism of its
policy of doing business with the junta as well as international criticism that
is bound to follow.
General Chavalit told reporters that General Khin Nyunt told him
that he saw Aung San Suu Kyi every two weeks.
"That's not the case" NLD spokesman U Lwin told the BBC.
"He hasn't seen her for several months."
Thai military sources told the BBC that Khin Nyunt actually said
they were seeing Aung San Suu Kyi through a channel of contacts rather than
direct face-to-face meetings. U Lwin said that this was the case, and a
military intelligence liaison officer was calling on Aung San Suu Kyi at least
once a week.
Slow change
This is not the first time that General Chavalit has told
journalists that there was about to be a political break-through in
Diplomats in
But the fact remains that no one is revealing what, if any, the
substance of the talks are.
Aung San Suu Kyi has told diplomats and senior party members that
she had promised the Generals not to discuss the details of the talks with
anyone, and she was keeping to that even if the military were not keeping their
part of the bargain.
The signs in
"We must remain patient" U Lwin told the BBC.
This seems to also reflect the UN special envoy, Razali Ismail's
view.
"Change in
For the moment everyone is advising patience.
"Although we don't know what, things are happening,"
said a diplomat who wanted to remain anonymous.
But the talks have been going on for nearly a year and there is
growing impatience among pro-democracy supporters inside and outside
They want a clear indication that the talks are moving beyond the
confidence-building stage and are becoming a substantive dialogue involving
some kind of power-sharing proposals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aung San Suu Kyi detention anniversary
The leader of Burma's National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu
Kyi, marks the first anniversary of her latest confinement by the military
authorities in Rangoon today Saturday.
She was placed under virtual house arrest after attempting to
travel outside the capital.
Senior members of her party were also detained.
The NLD won elections held in 1990 but the military never allowed
it to govern, and the international community imposed economic isolation on
In the last year there have been talks between the ruling generals
and Aung San Suu Kyi; she has met some of her party's leading members, as well
as visiting diplomats and UN officials. More than 150 political prisoners have
been released but some 1,500 remain in jail. Correspondents say these
confidence building measures have yet to develop into a real political
breakthough in
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the BBC's Larry Jagan in
Her movements were restricted after she attempted to travel
outside the capital.
Senior members of her party, the National League for Democracy
(NLD), were also detained.
The NLD won elections held in 1990, but the military never allowed
it to govern.
Talks
Aung San Suu Kyi is no stranger to confinement. She was originally
put under house arrest in 1989 and spent six years there.
But this time it has been different. The country's military rulers
have begun to talk to her. She is not actually meeting the senior generals, an
NLD spokesman told the BBC, but there is regular contact between the two sides.
The talks are being held in secret and no one knows what is
actually being discussed.
Diplomats in
Since the dialogue process began, more than 200 political
prisoners, including two senior NLD leaders, have been freed.
Human rights groups say there are more than 1,500 political
prisoners in
Meetings
Many critics believe the Burmese generals are not serious about
political change, and have only entered the dialogue process in an effort to
deflect international criticism and in the hope that it might also lessen their
international isolation.
In the past year Aung San Suu Kyi has been allowed to meet senior
members of her party, senior diplomats and UN officials.
A Burmese Government spokesman says Aung San Suu Kyi is under
voluntary confinement, but that is not how the NLD spokesman sees it. He told
the BBC that Aung San Suu Kyi wanted all restrictions on her movement lifted
immediately, including being able to travel outside
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A United Nations human rights envoy has arrived in
A government statement made no link between the arrival of Paulo
Sergio Pinheiro and the prisoner releases, which it called a goodwill gesture.
Mr Pinheiro is on a two-week visit during which he is expected to
travel outside the capital,
He is also expected to meet government officials and the
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
His visit comes just days after a team from the International
Labour Organisation ended a three-week trip investigating reports of forced
labour in
Mr Pinheiro became the first UN human rights rapporteur to go to
On that occasion also he met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at
her home but was not allowed leave the capital.
This time, according to the UN , Mr Pinheiro will visit a number
of provinces over the next two weeks.
'Optimism'
Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under virtual house arrest since
last September.
But Mr Pinheiro has spoken of "cautious optimism" within
A UN statement released at the weekend said: "This visit
comes at a time when
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aung San Suu Kyi could lose family
home
A court in
The court threw out an application by the opposition leader to
dismiss a claim for a share of the property by her brother, Aung San Oo.
He lives in the
The lakeside property is said to be worth $2m.
Aung San Suu Kyi has lived there since she returned to
Correspondents say the case - which has been adjourned until 2
November - has put extra pressure on Aung San Suu Kyi at a time when she is
taking part in secret talks with the ruling military government
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese military sack ministers
The ruling military council in
Official newspapers reported their departure, but gave no reasons
for the move, and did not name any successors.
All five were army officers, but not members of the 17-man State
Peace and Development Council which rules
Correspondents say the retirement of two deputy prime ministers
(Rear Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lieutenant General Tin Tun) had been
expected.
The departure of the other three cabinet ministers- the Minister
for Culture Win Sein, the Minister for Co-operatives Aung San, and the Minister
for Immigration Saw Tun, came as a surprise.
Council anniversary
Foreign diplomats say there could be more cabinet changes in the
run-up to the fourth anniversary of the creation of the Peace and Development
Council on Thursday.
On Saturday, the official media said Lieutenant General Win Myint
-seen as the fourth most powerful man in
Deputy Prime Minister Tin Hla, responsible for buying equipment
for the armed forces, was also sacked.
No reasons for their dismissals were given, but according to AFP
news agency, they were both given "termination notifications" - the
severest expression of official disapproval.
Observers in
Both were heavily involved in military linked businesses, and
corruption in known to be rife among the ruling elite.
The most sweeping previous reshuffle in the Burmese regime came in
1997, when four ministers were removed amid accusations of corruption.
The armed forces have governed
They have been engaged in a dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi for
more than a year, but so far there are no indications that they are considering
easing their grip on power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis: Power changes in Burmese
junta
By BBC's Burma analyst Larry Jagan in
Bangkok
Two top generals have been sacked. Five other ministers have been
retired - only two of them voluntarily.
There have been constant reports of division within the army ever
since
But there is certainly no evidence of a power struggle at the top
of the military government.
Sources in Rangoon believe the head of state, General Than Shwe
initiated the moves, and that there is no doubt that the other two members of
the country's ruling triumvirate - the army chief and Defence Minister General
Maung Aye and the military intelligence chief Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt -
fully supported it.
"The changes, in fact, show the unity and strength of the top
three," said a western diplomat based in
Corrruption
There is growing concern among
"These two generals were sacked because their involvement in
corruption was too blatant," one western diplomat told the BBC.
But most analysts are sceptical that these sackings will have any
real impact on corruption.
The other sackings, however, appear to be more to do with
government plans to revitalise the country's administration and root out the
hard-liners who may be opposed to the government's reconciliation process with
National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Many analysts believe the government will use the opportunity to
promote several regional commanders.
Many of the regional commanders have been critical of the talks
with Aung San Suu Kyi. There are also reports that some are unhappy with the
government's attempts to stop the use of forced labour - something highlighted
by a recent investigation by the International Labour Organisation.
The government shake-up certainly provides General Than Shwe with
the opportunity to bring the most-resistant regional commanders to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN hopes for
By the BBC's Burma analyst Larry Jagan
in Bangkok
Renewed efforts are underway in
The United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail arrived on Tuesday
at the start of a week of meetings with both military, opposition and ethnic
leaders.
Nearly 200 political prisoners have been released from jai since
contacts between Aung San Suu Kyi and the ruling generals started more than a
year ago.
But there has been growing concern amongst diplomats in
This is the Mr Razali's fourth visit to
Each time he has visited
For the opposition, the main sticking point remains the release of
political prisoners - international human rights organisations estimate there
are more than 1,500 political prisoners still in jail.
Aid carrot
Mr Razali, according to UN sources, will try to encourage the
military to speed up the release of these prisoners by offering the prospect of
international aid.
Last time Mr Razali was in
Mr Razali, according to UN sources, is keen to see aid resume and
will be suggesting the way forward might be to set up a co-ordinator to oversee
both non-government and international aid.
However, few outside the UN are optimistic that Mr Razali will be
able to bring the two sides closer to substantive talks which might lead to the
formation of a transition government in the near future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the BBC's Larry Jagan in
In the 10 years since
The military still run the country with an iron grip. There is no
freedom of speech and the country's press is tightly controlled by the army.
And the economy teeters on the brink of collapse.
But there are some significant changes. Ten years ago, Aung San
Suu Kyi was under house arrest and unable to see anyone including her husband,
the English academic Michael Aris or children. This is no longer the case.
At first she was allowed occasional visits by her husband and
children. Then on
She is once again under virtual house arrest, where she has been
since
The difference now is that she is allowed frequent visitors,
including her sons.
Personal tragedy
But of course Aung San Suu Kyi also suffered a major personal
tragedy during this time. Her husband died of cancer in March 1999.
The military authorities did offer to allow her to travel to the
But she refused for fear that the military government would not
allow her back into the country.
She had not seen him for three years.
Ten years ago the Burmese army was still fighting bitter battles
against the ethnic rebel groups which controlled much of the country's border
areas.
Now all but a very few, particularly the Karen National Union,
have signed ceasefire agreements with
New policy
Since then the countries of the region have pursued a vigorous
policy of engagement.
In July 1997
The rest of the international community is pondering reducing
And its on the political front that that little has changed. Ten
years ago when Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel peace prize, university
students demonstrated their support for democracy with small scale protests.
The authorities reacted by clearing the universities and sending
the students home.
They remained shut for some time, and although the government says
the country's universities and colleges opened last year - in effect are only
partly opened for fear that students will take to the streets again.
Continuing struggle
But the political struggle goes on. Since her release from house
arrest six years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi has remained a thorn in the military's
side.
She continued to remind them that her party, the National League
for Democracy has convincingly won the national elections held in May 1990.
The NLD has continued to demand that the military junta hand over
power to a civilian administration.
The official press has vilified her. When she tried to travel
outside
She left
It was partly this continuous confrontation between the military
and Aung San Suu Kyi, along with growing pressure from
Dialogue
For more than a year now the military junta and Aung San Suu Kyi
have engaged in what has become called a dialogue process.
"It's a process of confidence-building and a preliminary to
actual talks," the NLD spokesman U Lwin told BBC.
It a process that has been facilitated by the UN envoy for
He has made six visits to
While the two sides have not had face-to-face discussions,
although the intelligence chief Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt has meet Aung San
Suu Kyi twice in the last 12 months, substantial progress has been made.
More than 200 political prisoners have been released. Many of the
NLD's local offices have been allowed to open, and NLD members are now able to
travel much more freely, even between regional offices and
"These may be only small measures," said a diplomat,
"but they do indicate that the Burmese military leaders are prepared to
make concessions to the Aung San Suu Kyi."
While Aung San Suu Kyi's uncompromising determination has helped
her stand up to the Generals, it has not always endeared her to all her
supporters.
'Too autocratic'
There have been some in the NLD over the last six years who felt
she has too autocratic style of leadership and should have been more
conciliatory towards the military much earlier.
She has of course dismissed these allegations saying that the
military junta had declared war on the party and that centralised leadership
was sometimes needed as a matter of survival.
On the face of it at least,
But in reality the situation has changed - "qualitative
rather than quantitative" according to diplomats and frequent visitors to
Ten years ago there was no prospect of political reform, now at
least there is hope.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Free Aung San Suu Kyi'
Amnesty International has called on
It is 10 years on Saturday since Aung San Suu Kyi won the award,
but she will not be joining other living laureates gathering in
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy convincingly won
the elections held in May 1990, but the military junta failed to hand over
power.
Since last October, the democracy leader has been holding secret
United Nations-brokered talks with junta leaders, which have led to the release
of nearly 200 political prisoners.
Amnesty is renewing its appeal for Aung San Suu Kyi to be allowed
her freedom.
"On this occasion we renew our calls for her release, and for
the release of hundreds of other prisoners of conscience," the London-based
group said in a statement received in
Husband's death
Aung San Suu Kyi has not appeared in public since September 2000,
when she was put under de facto house arrest for attempting to travel outside
the capital
Her telephone has been disconnected, but she reportedly has access
to a shortwave radio.
She has been detained at her lakeside home for much of the last 13
years, including the year she was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.
Her son Alexander Aris collected it on her behalf.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 56, was unable to travel to the
In a videotaped statement released last year, Aung San Suu Kyi
said she remained optimistic.
"We are absolutely confident that democracy will come to
The Norwegian Nobel Institute has been holding a series of celebrations
to mark the 100th anniversary of the peace prize, in the run-up to Monday's
presentation of this year's award to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Other former prize winners due to attend include South Korean
President Kim Dae-jung, and the Dalai Lama.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peace greats urge Suu Kyi release
Nobel peace prize winners and politicians
from around the world have paid tribute to the Burmese opposition leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, and called for her release from house arrest.
They appealed to the military regime in
The event marks 10 years since Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the
peace prize for her continued non-violent resistance to the junta.
"In physical stature she is petite and elegant, but in moral
stature she is a giant," said the retired Anglican Archbishop from
"Big men are scared of her. Armed to the teeth and they still
run scared," he said.
Empty seat
The laureates have come together for festivities celebrating 100
years of the peace prize.
But Geir Lundestad, non-voting secretary of the Norwegian Nobel
Committee said they were all thinking of the empty chair that belonged to Aung
San Suu Kyi.
In a letter, the laureates called on Than Swe, the head of the
ruling regime, to release of other political prisoners in
Messages of support came from around the world.
President George W Bush lauded Aung San Suu Kyi, addressing by satellite
link a rally of hundreds assembled in the rain in front of the Norwegian
parliament building.
"In the face of great hardship she has never wavered in her
commitment to peaceful change," Mr Bush said, although he did not add his
voice to calls to release other political prisoners.
Global support
The UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw urged the military leaders to
use current talks with Aung San Suu Kyi as an opportunity to move the country
towards democracy.
"Her strength has given hope to thousands of Burmese who have
endured great hardship for holding firm to these beliefs," he said in
The event was one in more than 30 taking place around the world,
including a peace concert held at
The events took place amid reports that the NLD had reopened a key
office in Kamayut township, near the
Since last October, Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secret
United Nations-brokered talks with junta leaders, which have led to the release
of nearly 200 political prisoners.
'Absolutely confident'
Aung San Suu Kyi has not appeared in public since September 2000,
when she was put under de facto house arrest for attempting to travel outside
the capital
Her telephone has been disconnected, but she reportedly has access
to a shortwave radio.
In a videotaped statement released last year, Aung San Suu Kyi
said she remained optimistic.
"We are absolutely confident that
democracy will come to
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signs of hope for Aung San Suu Kyi
By BBC Burma analyst Larry Jagan in
Bangkok
Ten years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
in recognition for her efforts to bring democratic change to
At the time she was under house arrest.
Ten years after her award,
The country is still ruled by the Burmese army who tightly control
almost every aspect of life.
Protests, demonstrations or public criticism of the regime is not
allowed. Anyone who dares to challenge the army is thrown into jail.
Six years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi was officially released - but was
not allowed to travel outside the capital
When she tried, she was forcibly returned to her home.
She's been a virtual prisoner there again for the last 15 months.
Although there's been little change politically, there have been
significant developments.
Over the last 10 years the capital
Rebel ceasefires
The generals of the army and some of the urban middle classes have
managed to get wealthy.
But for most of the country's people, living standards have
declined.
The United Nations estimates that two out of five children are
suffering from malnutrition.
Ten years ago the Burmese army did not control most of the
country's border areas - especially the borders with
Now it has signed ceasefire agreements with all but one of the
main ethnic rebel groups and taken full control of all of its borders.
Ten years ago
Aid hope
Now it's a member of the south east Asian regional grouping ASEAN,
and the international community is pondering reducing
The
Although there have been no substantive results from this process
which started more than a year ago, at least the two sides are talking to each
other.
Ten years ago there was no hope of political change, now there is
a glimmer of hope.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is 10 years since Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel peace prize,
and on Saturday, fellow laureates who were gathered in Oslo, called on the
military junta to release her from house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide election in 1990, but the junta failed to hand over power.
Over the last year, she has been holding secret United
Nations-brokered talks with junta leaders which have raised hopes of a
breakthrough.
The negotiations have led to the release of nearly 200 political
prisoners, but an estimated 1,500 remain in detention.
'Winning side'
On Monday, the generals said they were working with Aung San Suu
Kyi to find a political settlement.
"Today, we are all in the process of joining hands, walking
on the same path toward our common objective," said a statement, which was
dated Sunday.
The statement directly replied to comments in
"The government of
"But regretfully in the past due to misunderstanding between
the NLD party and the government of
Aung San Suu Kyi has not appeared in public since September 2000,
when she was put under de facto house arrest for attempting to travel outside
the capital
Nobel laureates, in
Messages of support came from around the world, including US
President George Bush.
"In the face of great hardship she has never wavered in her
commitment to peaceful change," Mr Bush said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aung San Suu Kyi urges caution
Her comments were reported following a statement by the ruling
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) saying it was committed to creating
a "functioning democracy".
They also came as her National League for Democracy (NLD) said
talks with the military must start yielding more tangible results.
Over the last year, Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secret
United Nations-brokered talks with junta leaders which have raised hopes of a
breakthrough.
The 1991 Nobel Peace laureate was again placed under house arrest
in September 2000, 10 years after the NLD won a landslide election that the
military refused to recognise.
Despite the recent contacts between the two sides, Aung San Suu
Kyi stressed that the process of national reconciliation had barely begun.
Mutual mistrust
"It is not that dialogue has begun," she was quoted by
"It is a period in which both sides are attempting to erase
mutual mistrust," Mr Muto quoted her as saying.
According to the Jiji report - monitored by the AFP news agency -
Mr Muto met Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in
The statement from the generals, released on Monday, said they
were working with Aung San Suu Kyi to find a political settlement.
"Today, we are all in the process of joining hands, walking
on the same path toward our common objective," it said.
Negotiations so far have led to the release of nearly 200
political prisoners, but an estimated 1,500 remain in detention.
The NLD said on Monday that any further delays in moving towards
democracy could lead to "undesirable negative effects".
"It is now necessary to develop, step by step, the confidence
building talks between the SPDC and NLD into meaningful dialogues," it
said in a statement carried by the Reuters news agency.
The statement was released to mark
Nobel pressure
The junta's statement directly replied to comments in
Nobel laureates, who had gathered to celebrate 100 years of the
peace prize, paid tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi and called for her release.
The junta has so far ignored the global chorus calling for her
release.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jiang tours
Chinese President Jiang Zemin has
toured the most important religious site in
His visit to the Shwedagon pagoda in
Foreign Minister Win Aung escorted President Jiang and his wife
Wang Yeping around the predominantly Buddhist country's most important
religious site.
It is the first trip by a Chinese head of state to
He has signed seven agreements with the Burmese leader, Senior
General Than Shwe, including one on cooperation in border areas.
Cooperation amid tensions
President Jiang said efforts would be made to promote cooperation
in agriculture, infrastructure development and human resources.
President Jiang was given a lavish red-carpet welcome on arrival
for his three-day trip on Wednesday.
The visit comes after a decade of cooperation between the two
states but also amid some tension over drug-trafficking and
But a BBC correspondent says that although the two countries have
been close allies for more than a decade, there has been growing friction
between them recently.
He says
International pressure
The visit comes as
The 1991 Nobel Peace laureate was placed under house arrest in
September 2000, 10 years after her National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide election that the military refused to recognise.
Over the last year, Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secretive
United Nations-brokered talks with junta leaders which have raised hopes of a
breakthrough.
However in comments reportedly made to former Japanese Foreign
Minister Kabun Muto, Aung San Suu Kyi cautioned that dialogue had yet to start
in full.
Her comments were reported following a statement by
But the NLD has said talks must start yielding more tangible
results.
Thousands watched official
Independence Day events
The National League for Democracy (NLD) used the occasion of the
national Independence Day celebrations to demand a speedy transition to
democracy and the release of its leader, Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under house arrest since September
2000 after confronting the authorities over restrictions on her movements.
There had been speculation among the diplomatic community in the
capital,
Over the last 14 months there has been hope of political progress
as the two sides held a series of secret talks.
During this period they have been observing an informal truce,
with the state-run media halting their vitriolic attacks on Aung San Suu Kyi, while
the NLD refrained from criticism of the government.
The new NLD demands were made at a gathering of 500 supporters at
the party's headquarters in
"The country is facing political, economic and social
hardship but we believe that that political problems could be resolved through
political means," said NLD chairman Aung Shwe.
Analysts said his comments reflected frustration over the slow
progress of the talks.
Although there have been few tangible results, about 200 political
prisoners have been released and the government has allowed greater access to
visiting United Nations envoys.
But correspondents say government officials warned them not to
expect anything unusual on Friday.
Spectacle
More than 10,000 people watched dancers and marching bands parade
in the shadow of
After a flag-raising ceremony they heard a message from the
junta's leader General Than Shwe, which stressed the themes of national unity
and patriotism.
"National solidarity is important for
"The main factor that forges national unity is the 'union
spirit' which is based on patriotism."
The NLD won elections held in May 1990, but the military junta
failed to hand over power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The military government in
The release of Cho Aung Than, the cousin and liaison officer of
Aung San Suu Kyi, is seen as a significant conciliatory gesture by the military
authorities.
He was arrested in June 1997 and given a seven-year sentence under
an emergency law and a three-year sentence under a law banning unlawful
association.
More than 200 political prisoners have been released since Aung
San Suu Kyi began secret reconciliation talks with the military government in
October 2000.
But last week, the NLD demanded the start of a meaningful
political dialogue, signalling increasing frustration with the slow pace of
progress.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burma's Foreign Minister has said the
called for patience in the reconciliation process, as the military government freed
five opposition members, including a cousin of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The minister, Win Aung, told the BBC the prisoner releases were
proof that the process was continuing.
He said the military government would like to free all political
prisoners, and the time would come for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released from
house arrest.
Win Aung also called for understanding, saying that the military
government did not want to be pushed from behind.
The release of Cho Aung Than, the cousin and liaison officer of Aung
San Suu Kyi, is seen as a significant conciliatory gesture by the military
authorities.
He was arrested in June 1997 and given a seven-year sentence under
an emergency law, and a three-year sentence under a law banning unlawful
association.
Secret talks
The government says 207 political prisoners have been released
since Aung San Suu Kyi began secret reconciliation talks with the military
government in October 2000.
The NLD says more than 800 of its members remain in custody
although the government disputes the figure.
Neither side has made public the content of the talks. But on
Independence Day last week, the NLD demanded the start of a meaningful
political dialogue, signalling increasing frustration with the slow pace of
progress.
Win Aung said on Wednesday the opposition had their view but said
the government was neither backtracking nor sidetracking.
But he said it was difficult to demonstrate results.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under house arrest since September
2000 after confronting the authorities over restrictions on her movements.
The NLD won a general election in 1990 that the military refused
to recognise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aung San Suu Kyi meets
By the BBC's Burma analyst Larry Jagan
in Bangkok
According to diplomatic sources in
It appears to be the first meeting with a senior general for some
time and is being seen as a sign that the dialogue process may be on the verge
of a significant break-through.
The meeting has again raised hopes that she may be released from
house arrest in the very near future - at least before the next visit of the
United Nations envoy to
The Burmese military government has been in secret talks with the
opposition leader, who is under house arrest, for more than a year.
However in recent weeks there had been growing fears that the
dialogue process had stalled again.
Significant meeting
Diplomats in the Burmese capital
The opposition leader has seldom been permitted to leave her
residence, although she has been allowed a string of visitors, since she was
placed under house again 18 months ago.
Diplomats say it would have to have been a significant meeting for
the opposition leader to come out of her home. She did not even attend the
Martyr's Day ceremony last year which marks her father's assassination.
Despite more than a year of contact between Aung San Suu Kyi and
the Burmese military leaders - mainly through a military intelligence liaison
officer - there have been few tangible results from the dialogue process, which
has been brokered by Mr Razali.
More than 200 political prisoners have been released - but as
international human rights groups point out, there are still more than 1,500
political prisoners in
Many diplomats in
Pace of change
The UN envoy though has been urging the military regime to step up
the dialogue process. For this to happen, the two sides would have to start
taking about substantive issues.
The main obstacle to that remains the pace of the release of
political prisoners and the lifting of the restrictions on the opposition
leader herself. Mr Razali has told the generals that Aung San Suu Kyi's release
from house arrest was a necessary pre-requisite for the dialogue process to
progress.
As the talks between the two sides are being conducted in strict
secrecy, it is impossible to know what was discussed at last week's meeting.
But the issue of political prisoners must have been high on the agenda.
Aung San Suu Kyi has insisted all along that the remaining elected
members of parliament would have to be freed before she would consider being
released herself.
UN sources say Aung San Suu Kyi and the generals had been
considering a proposal that would allow the opposition leader to be freed, but
with some continued restrictions - at least temporarily.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By the BBC's Burma analyst Larry Jagan
in Bangkok
Both the US Government and the United Nations envoy, who brokered
talks between the generals and the opposition leader, are warning
These calls come just as there is increased speculation in
Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since September 2000.
Her National League for Democracy party won an overwhelming
election victory in 1990 that was never recognised by the junta.
Growing impatience
In its latest report to Congress, the US Government says it is
time for the talks to move from the confidence-building stage to what it calls
"genuine political dialogue... aimed at returning the country to democracy
and civilian rule."
The UN envoy, Razali Ismail is also beginning to get impatient.
"It's moving but the talks are not going as fast as they
should," he said in
Prisoner release
Mr Razali has consistently told the BBC that the dialogue process
was a difficult one and not to expect major events or milestones.
His uncharacteristic outburst may be an attempt to put pressure on
the Burmese junta to move the process forward before he arrives on his next
visit in March.
"The UN envoy left
"Everyone knows what steps need to be taken."
Those steps must include the immediate release of the remaining
elected MPs and freeing the opposition leader from house arrest.
Diplomats in
That meeting was seen as a sign that the dialogue process may be
on the verge of a breakthrough.
That is certainly what the UN human rights rapporteur for
UN sources say Mr Pinheiro will be pressing the Burmese junta on
the issue of political prisoners as part of the international community's
efforts to bring about democratic reform in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The military authorities in
A government statement said the ongoing process of reconciliation
was slow, but steady.
The developments come amid mounting international pressure on the
military authorities, with a
The releases come as the United Nations human rights envoy, Paulo
Sergio Pinheiro, tours the northern state of Kachin.
The Burmese Government says it has released more than 200
opposition members since it started talks with Aung San Suu Kyi in October
2000.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi
The United Nations human rights envoy,
Paulo Sergio Pinherio, has met the Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at
her lakeside residence.
She has been detained under house arrest for more than a year.
No details of their talks have been released.
The meeting came as the military authorities released another six
political prisoners.
Last week they freed five others as a goodwill gesture marking Mr
Pinheiro's third mission to
Meanwhile, the International Labour Organisation says its sending
a team to
The ILO mission will be lobbying for the establishment of a
permanent office to monitor the situation. After a visit last year, ILO
officials concluded that forced labour still exists, especially within army
projects.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials from the International
Labour Organisation (ILO) say they have been prevented from seeing Burmese
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest in
They said police refused to let them through a checkpoint blocking
the road to the house.
The two officials were at the end of a week-long visit to
A senior ILO official, Kari Tapiola, said on Sunday there was
still no evidence the Burmese military government was willing to accept
assistance to end forced labour.
A spokesman for the ILO in
Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under virtual house arrest since
September 2000.
For much of that time, the government has been involved in secret
talks with Ms Suu Kyi and her opposition National League for Democracy (NLD).
More than 200 political prisoners have been released by the
government, but there are estimated to be more than 1,500 still in jail.
Security mix up
The head of the ILO delegation, Francis Maupain said he was
"very disappointed" not to have been allowed to see Aung San Suu Kyi.
Policemen refused to lift a barrier as cars carrying Mr Maupain
and ILO secretary Richard Horsey approached her lakeside home.
NLD secretary U Lwin said there seemed to have been a mix up over
security clearance.
"Security said they wanted to allow the ILO team through the
checkpoint but without proper clearance they couldn't do it, " he said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five freed in
The Burmese military government says
it has released from detention another five members of the opposition National
League for Democracy (NLD).
The move follows a recent visit by the United Nations human rights
envoy, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, who urged the authorities to release all
political prisoners, and to speed up the process.
On Thursday, 68 women detained for what the authorities described
as various criminal offences were freed.
More than 200 opposition members are now reported to have been
released since the Burmese Government began talks on national reconciliation
with the NLD leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in October 2000.
The NLD says that about 800 of its activists are still in prison.
The NLD won
Visit blocked
Earlier this week, officials from the International Labour
Organisation (ILO) said they had been prevented from seeing Aung San Suu Kyi,
who is under house arrest in
They said police refused to let them through a checkpoint blocking
the road to the house.
The two officials were at the end of a week-long visit to
Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under virtual house arrest since
September 2000.
For much of that time, the government has been involved in secret
talks with Aung San Suu Kyi and her opposition National League for Democracy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The military government in
The women, in prison for various offences, were the second batch
of pregnant women to be freed - 68 were released last week.
The move was apparently timed to coincide with the consecration of
a giant new stone Buddha in
Buddhist tradition holds that merits for the next life can be
gained by such gestures.
Also last week, five political prisoners were released from detention
- all members of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD).
It followed a recent visit by the United Nations human rights
envoy, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, who urged the authorities to release all
political prisoners, and to speed up the process.
Secret talks
The BBC Burmese affairs analyst says the releases could be seen as
a move by
More than 200 opposition members are reported to have been
released since the Burmese Government began talks on national reconciliation
with the NLD leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, in October 2000.
Speaking after last week's releases, the United Nations special
envoy to
"I hope in the weeks ahead there will be more releases and I
hope soon that Aung San Suu Kyi herself will be out of the custody of her
house."
Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest in
The NLD won
Burmese military officials told the BBC that there would be no
umbrella release of political prisoners, but that they are considering freeing
activists in batches of up to 200 at a time.
Diplomats in
BBC Burma analyst Larry Jagan says there is growing speculation in
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A military official, Kyaw Win, said the four were planning to
abduct
Those who refused were to be detained at the house, he said.
Kyaw Win said the family had tried to enlist elements in the
military, and he confirmed the sacking of four top military figures.
He attributed the plot to resentment at economic and political
changes, but he said the developments would not derail talks with the Burmese
pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Some observers have speculated that the purge could be part of a
power struggle within the military over how to handle Aung San Suu Kyi, who has
been in closed-door reconciliation talks with
'Puppet government'
Aung San Suu Kyi - who is under house arrest in
The government said the alleged coup plot was masterminded by Ne
Win's son-in-law Aye Zaw Win and three of Aye Zaw Win's sons. They were
arrested last Thursday at a Chinese restaurant where they were said to have
been meeting an unnamed military commander.
"They did not intend to rule the country themselves but to
form a puppet government under the influence of Ne Win," Kyaw Win told
reporters.
The government confirmed that four senior military officials had
been sacked and were being questioned about the coup plot.
They are air force chief Major General Myint Swe, police chief
Major General Soe Win, and regional commanders Brigadier General Chit Than and
Major General Aye Kywe.
Some Western diplomats in
Ne Win - now in his 90s - seized control of
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EU to meet Burmese opposition leader
A European Union delegation visiting
She has been under house arrest for the last 18 months.
On Thursday, the EU delegation held talks with
The visit comes just days after the government said it had foiled
a coup plotted by the family of the former military ruler, Ne Win.
Both the government and the opposition have said the coup attempt
will not disrupt peace efforts. It is the third EU mission since 1999 aimed at
helping to end the deadlock between the Burmese military authorities and the
opposition National League for Democracy.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rumours fly around EU Burma visit
A high-level European Union delegation
visiting
The EU team, which is expected to meet opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi later on Friday, is in
But correspondents say speculation of a power struggle among the
senior generals over how to deal with the opposition is rife in the capital
The rumours are being fuelled by the announcement just days before
the EU delegation arrived that the government had foiled a coup plotted by the
family of the former military ruler, Ne Win.
General 'unavailable'
Observers say the allegations and arrests of members of Ne Win's
family may indicate disagreements over the opposition National League for
Democracy (NLD).
Military intelligence chief Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, who
favours dialogue with the NLD, was reportedly not available for a scheduled
meeting with the EU diplomats on Thursday.
Khin Nyunt is thought to be opposed by army chief General Maung
Aye, whose supporters are against making any concessions to Aung San Suu Kyi.
She has been confined by the authorities to her
The government has been in closed-door reconciliation talks with
Aung San Suu Kyi since October 2000, and both sides have indicated they do not expect
the alleged coup plot to derail their dialogue.
Coup arrests
The government said the alleged coup plot was masterminded by Ne
Win's son-in-law Aye Zaw Win and three of Aye Zaw Win's sons.
They were arrested last Thursday at a Chinese restaurant where
they were said to have been meeting an unnamed military commander.
Ne Win - now in his 90s - seized control of
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy's
By Larry Jagan
BBC regional analyst in
A planned visit to
UN sources have confirmed the cancellation of the trip to
Mr Razali has been involved in talks between the Burmese
government and the opposition leader, Aung san Suu Kyi, who remains under house
arrest.
So far neither the UN nor the Burmese military authorities are
prepared to offer any reason for this change of plan.
However sources in
Coup talk
UN sources insist that nothing sinister lies behind the generals'
change of plan. Full access to Aung San Suu Kyi, was always part of the
process, they say.
Diplomats in
Last year, when the country's fourth most powerful man in the
government, General Tin Oo, was killed in a helicopter accident, it stalled the
process.
Analysts do not believe that these recent arrests will de-rail the
talks but the key issue will be how soon the UN envoy will be allowed to return
to
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a landslide
victory in 1990 elections but the junta refused to hand over power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
The Burmese military regime has been
in secret talks with the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi for more than a
year.
The talks are believed to have started in October 2000, a month
after Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest after trying to travel out
of
But it was only in January 2001 that the United Nations envoy to
"The process is totally secret," he told the BBC.
"And both sides have promised to keep the nature and details of the talks
completely secret."
Both the generals and the opposition say they are committed to the
talks. At the various meetings, ideas, priorities and concerns are exchanged.
It is all part of the confidence-building process before
substantive talks can be launched.
More than 250 political prisoners have been released by the
generals in the past year as a measure of trust-building with the opposition
leader.
But National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesman U Lwin says more
than 600 party members are still in jail, while international human rights
groups say there are more than 1,300 political prisoners still incarcerated.
UN envoy's role
The talks between the two sides were brokered by the UN envoy. He has
made six trips to
His repeated message to the junta calls for:
- The immediate and
unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi
- The release of
all political prisoners, especially the remaining 20 elected MPs
- Allowing all
political parties to operate freely
- Starting
substantial talks on political issues, including possible power sharing
- Reforming the
economy
But the generals want some concessions in return. They are
desperate to attract foreign investors and international aid.
Many analysts believe the growing economic crisis in the country
has convinced them there is no alternative to political reform.
The international community has tried to encourage the dialogue
process by promising to reward any significant step towards political change
with humanitarian aid.
Time is running out for the regime with the international
community losing patience with the slow pace of reform.
There are growing demands to isolate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Larry Jagan in
BBC regional analyst
The National League for Democracy (NLD) is trying to prepare the
ground for it to function as a vibrant political party when
The party convincingly won the 1990 elections but the generals
never allowed it to take power.
But since Aung San Suu Kyi and the junta started secretive talks
more than 18 months, ago the NLD has been allowed to operate more freely.
Before then its members were harassed and their movements
restricted. Now local NLD officials from provincial and rural committees can
freely visit the central headquarters in
"There are committees preparing policy on health, education,
defence and the economy," says the NLD spokesman U Lwin. "But our
most important task is to reopen all our offices in
Nearly all the
Membership crisis
Allowing the NLD to function is all part of the dialogue process.
"It's Aung San Suu Kyi's main priority at present," says
a western diplomat in
There is no doubt that the NLD remains popular throughout the
country. But its support seems to be more for their charismatic leader Aung San
Suu Kyi than for the party itself.
The party would be nothing without her, NLD leaders admit
privately.
"It's a great burden and responsibility for her to
carry," says a Rangoon-based diplomat.
"But she has the character, fortitude and vision to do
it."
Nevertheless there are growing concerns about the NLD leadership
as a whole. The other three top leaders - U Lwin, Aung Shwe and Tin Oo - are
all in their seventies.
"There really is no one within the NLD who could replace Aung
San Suu Kyi," one western diplomat in
Impatience
And unlike the military, which is carefully grooming junior
officers to succeed them, there is little succession planning within the
opposition.
U Lwin admits that membership is falling.
"We once attracted the students, but we now have great
difficulty in interesting them in joining us," he says.
There has been resentment among young NLD activists over the past
10 years that Aung San Suu Kyi has appeared to favour the old guard.
And there is growing impatience within in younger, rank-and-file
party supporters that the dialogue process is progressing too slowly. They want
more transparency.
"We're frustrated by constantly being told to be patient and
trust our leader," says one young NLD member.
The divide between the NLD inside
The NCGUB refuse to believe the military is sincere in wanting
political change and is only stringing out the process to deflect international
pressure.
U Lwin insists the dialogue process is going through a delicate
stage, but progress is being made - albeit very slowly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese leader dodges key issues
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
The parade took place amid tight security arrangements, coming
only three weeks after the military authorities said they had crushed a planned
coup attempt by relatives of the former military dictator, Ne Win.
Since then, there have been rumours of a power struggle within the
army between liberals and hardliners, who oppose the secret talks with the
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, which started nearly 18 months ago.
So conscious of security were the generals, that a decoy convoy
arrived before the main guests.
In the keynote speech, the Burmese leader senior General Than Shwe
stressed the need for national unity and said the army was a reluctant ruler.
He said it had been forced to seize power in 1988 because of the
economic crisis and social unrest that had engulfed the country at the time,
more or less blaming General Ne Win for the mess.
But General Than Shwe made no mention of the recent coup attempt
or the secret talks with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Rumours
For the past week, the military government has taken great pains
to dispel rumours of a power struggle within the military, releasing pictures
of the top generals inspecting troops and visiting the
There is little doubt that General Than Shwe is in complete
control.
The key issue is whether the coup attempt by Ne Win family members
will stall the dialogue process.
Negotiations are continuing between the United Nations and the
Burmese government to decide when the UN special envoy, Razali Ismail, can make
his next visit to
The Burmese foreign ministry said the envoy would be welcome in a
month's time - 22 April.
But the UN is insisting that Mr Razali should be allowed into the
country sooner.
A planned visit was postponed by the military authorities in
The international community has made it clear to
Now that Army Day is over, General Than Shwe will have to turn his
attention to this, or
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
The United Nations envoy to
After more than 12 months of talks, UN officials say Mr Razali's
visit is really a make-or-break trip because the international community is
growing increasingly impatient at the lack of concrete results.
But privately, UN officials admit that Mr Razali is unlikely to
have any new ideas to put before the two sides, and the prospects for a major
breakthrough are dim.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Malaysian Prime Minister,
Dr Mahathir Mohamad, have both written personally to
But in recent weeks the generals seem to have been backtracking on
earlier hints that they were ready to release her.
Her party, the National League for Democracy, is also anxious to
see the dialogue move onto substantive talks as soon as possible.
Credibility at stake
Sources in the NLD say the opposition leader herself is growing
concerned at the lack of progress and may consider breaking her silence soon if
nothing substantive emerges from Mr Razali's mission.
She may feel her credibility is at stake, according to diplomats
in
Diplomats say there is no question of breaking off the talks
because Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD are totally committed to the dialogue
process. For them it is the only way to bring democratic change to
For the international community, 18 months of confidence-building
contact should have produced more concrete results. Many diplomats believe that
If the generals do not show their commitment to the process, by at
least releasing Aung San Suu Kyi as soon as possible, then
Mr Razali has also hinted that if this trip does not produce
significant progress, then he may feel it is not worth continuing as the UN
special envoy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy holds
A United Nations special envoy has met
Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in an attempt to break years of
political deadlock.
Razali Ismail, a retired Malaysian diplomat, is trying to
negotiate an end to Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest, as part of
reconciliation talks with the ruling military junta.
There were no details of his talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader
of the National League of Democracy (NLD), which were held at her lakeside
residence and lasted for two hours.
Earlier he met the junta's number three, Lieutenant-General Khin
Nyunt, the influential chief of military intelligence.
Neither Mr Razali or the Burmese Government made any official comment
on those talks either.
But the UN envoy is reported to have told local businessmen
afterwards that he had "a good meeting" with General Khin Nyunt.
A South-East Asian businessman told AP news agency that Mr Razali
was optimistic of progress "in a few weeks".
Ongoing dialogue
This is Mr Razali's seventh visit to
On arriving in the country on Tuesday he said he was "always
optimistic" and told representatives of
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won 1990
elections by a landslide but the military junta refused to give up power.
The opposition leader has been under house arrest since September
2000 when she tried to take a trip outside the capital
Crunch time
UN officials say Mr Razali's visit is a make-or-break trip because
the international community is growing increasingly impatient at the lack of
concrete results.
But privately, UN officials have told the BBC that the prospects
for a major breakthrough are dim.
The negotiations have so far resulted in the release of about 200
political prisoners, but have achieved little else. Mr Razali has hinted he
might resign if he leaves the country empty-handed this time.
Diplomats say that only Aung San Suu Kyi's release can counter
growing suspicion that the junta is using the negotiations as a means of ending
the poverty-stricken country's isolation and lifting crippling sanctions.
"I think Razali will insist the [government] shows concrete
progress," an Asian diplomat based in
Mr Razali is also to meet Senior General Than Shwe, the leader of
He will again meet Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday, party officials
said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Razali is on his seventh visit as UN
special envoy
The United Nations Commission on Human
Rights has accused the military government in
The move came as the UN special envoy to
Razali Ismail's car was seen entering and emerging two hours
later, and some sources say he had dinner with the National League of Democracy
leader.
Earlier Mr Razali had talks with other NLD officials and he is
expected to meet the leader of the ruling junta, Senior General Than Shwe, on
Friday.
The 53-member Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution in
Its charges against
- Extrajudicial,
summary or arbitrary executions
- Enforced
disappearances, rape, torture, inhuman treatment, forced labour, including
the use of children
- Forced relocation
and denial of freedom of assembly, association, expression, religion and
movement
- The lack of an
independent judiciary
- Delaying the
process of national reconciliation and democratisation
It is Mr Razali's seventh visit to
Mr Razali said after the earlier meeting at NLD headquarters that
he could not promise when there would be any positive developments, but
remained "hopeful".
The NLD's Secretary, U Lwin, said the talks with the envoy had
been useful but he cautioned against over-optimism.
"He said there will surely be a new development very soon but
said we have to go step by step," said U Lwin.
Little to show
The junta has refused to give up power despite a landslide
election victory by the NLD in 1990.
The BBC's Larry Jagan reports from
But, he adds, many feel that the main issue is whether or not the
junta will agree to meaningful political talks with the NLD.
Mr Razali already had one meeting this week with Aung San Suu Kyi
and he also had talks with the junta's influential chief of military
intelligence, Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt.
The talks process has to date resulted in the release of about 250
political prisoners, but little else.
Mr Razali has hinted he might resign if he leaves the country empty-handed
this time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysis:
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
The UN envoy to
During his four-day visit, Mr Razali met top government ministers,
key opposition leaders - including Aung San Suu Kyi, who is still under house
arrest - and representatives of many of the country's ethnic groups.
But it was his final meeting with
Mr Razali told Burmese businessmen that this was his first
substantial meeting with General Than Shwe during his visits to
'No divisions'
Since the discovery in March of an alleged coup plot by family
members of the former dictator Ne Win, General Than Shwe has clearly
strengthened his position as the country's undisputed leader.
He is the only one in the military government who has the power to
authorise the developments the UN envoy hopes for.
The fact that the country's second most powerful man, General
Maung Aye, was present is also seen as significant. He is regarded as the
hardliner in the triumvirate and opposed to the talks with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Burmese government sources say the general was called back a few
hours early from his first official visit to
Analysts believe this was to show the international community that
there is no division within the army over political reform.
They say that his presence will also prevent him from later
disassociating himself from any major decision the Burmese authorities make in
response to Mr Razali's presentation.
Great expectations
Everyone now expects the significant break-through to be the
unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
This is what the international community has been demanding, and
shortly before Mr Razali arrived in Rangoon, both the UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan and Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad both wrote personally to
General Than Shwe urging him to find an active political role for Aung San Suu
Kyi.
UN officials have hinted that this would only be part of the
development.
"Aung San Suu Kyi's release would signal the start of more
meaningful political talks and co-operation," said one official.
The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) is
understandably ecstatic at the prospect of their leader being released soon.
But NLD leaders say just freeing her is not sufficient.
"Even more important that Daw Suu's release, is a meeting
with General Than Shwe before that happens," the NLD spokesman U Lwin told
the BBC.
Looking forward
It is far too early to be talking about the formation of a
transitional government.
"The NLD and the international community must offer the
generals help and support in developing a transitional process that will lead
to democracy," says an Asian diplomat in
Mr Razali has constantly said change in
One idea that the UN envoy has been proposing to both sides is for
the NLD and the military to form joint committees to carry out administrative
functions. These might be tried in the two key areas of concern - the economy
and humanitarian aid.
There is no doubt that
This is something which is worrying Aung San Suu Kyi and her
party. It should be the first priority of a joint committee, according to
senior NLD sources.
Analysts believe this would not only be the next step in the
process of confidence and trust building between the two sides, but could
provide a good model for the rest of the transitional process.
While
"We've been here before," says a Rangoon-based Western
diplomat who did not want to be identified. "Promises are no longer
sufficient, it's now time for action."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN's
The United Nations special envoy to
Mr Razali would not be drawn on details, but UN officials said the
release from house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was one
possibility.
Mr Razali was speaking after meeting
Mr Razali had a working lunch with General Than Shwe, General
Maung Aye, and Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt.
General Maung Aye arrived back a few hours earlier than planned
from
The meeting with Than Shwe, thought to be only the second between
the two men since Mr Razali initiated talks between the government and
opposition 18 months ago, will be seen as symbolically important.
The talks have so far produced few concrete results, and diplomats
warn that unless the military makes concessions soon, notably by freeing Aung
San Suu Kyi,
On Thursday Mr Razali met Aung San Suu Kyi at her lakeside home
where she is under house arrest. It was their second meeting in two days. Mr
Razali also met officials from her National League of Democracy.
Rights attack
The urgent need for progress was underlined by a resolution
adopted on Thursday by the UN Commission on Human Rights in
The 53-member commission accused the military government of
"a continuing pattern of gross and systematic violations of human
rights", and of stalling on political progress.
Its charges against
- Extrajudicial,
summary or arbitrary executions
- Enforced
disappearances, rape, torture, inhuman treatment, forced labour, including
the use of children
- Forced relocation
and denial of freedom of assembly, association, expression, religion and
movement
- The lack of an
independent judiciary
- Delaying the
process of national reconciliation and democratisation
Mr Razali said after Thursday's meeting at NLD headquarters that
he could not promise when there would be any positive developments, but
remained "hopeful".
NLD Secretary, U Lwin, said the talks had been useful but he
cautioned against over-optimism.
Little to show
The junta has refused to give up power despite a landslide
election victory by the NLD in 1990.
The BBC's Larry Jagan in
But, he adds, many feel that the main issue is whether or not the
junta will agree to meaningful political talks with the NLD.
Mr Razali has now left
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Larry Jagan
BBC correspondent in
The Burmese Government says progress has been made in the secret
talks with the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
This will be clarified in a statement to be released in a few
days' time, a senior minister told the BBC.
On Friday, the United Nations envoy for
Many believe this will include the release of opposition leader
from house arrest.
For more than 18 months, the Burmese military government has been
in secret talks with Aung San Suu Kyi. But in recent weeks, the international
community has been voicing its impatience at the lack of progress in the
dialogue brokered by the UN envoy.
'Significant'
The Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister, Khin Maung Win, told the BBC
that there would be significant developments in the dialogue process very soon.
Another senior Burmese minister, Tin Win, said a government
statement in the next few days would explain what progress had been made in the
talks.
The UN envoy's report to the UN has fuelled speculation that a
major breakthrough in the dialogue process is imminent.
There is no doubt that the National League for Democracy leaders
believe Aung San Suu Kyi is going to be freed soon and able to resume an active
political role.
But it is far from clear that this will in fact happen in the next
few days.
Pressure grows
Three months ago exactly, the opposition leader met the country's
top three generals - General Than Shwe, General Maung Aye and
Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt for dinner.
But even that did not secure her release.
Only Aung San Suu Kyi's release would satisfy them.
But diplomats here remain cautious
that this will in fact happen soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 1 May, 2002,
Hopes high for
The talks with the country's military intelligence chief,
Lieutenant Khin Nyunt, are the latest signal that the two sides are close to an
agreement.
The BBC's Larry Jagan in
But opposition sources say the military government is still
attaching conditions - and unless it makes a significant concession freeing her
unconditionally, Aung San Suu Kyi will not accept the government's offer.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 20 months. There
has been a flurry of activity at the Nobel laureate's
Brigadier-General Than Tun, the official liaison officer between Aung
San Suu Kyi and the military regime, made three visits to Aung San Suu Kyi's
lakeside home on Tuesday.
His rare appearance followed strong hints by the United Nations
envoy to
"Be patient. I think something big will happen," he told
reporters in
General's message
Mr Razali spent four days in talks with
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won 1990
elections by a landslide but the military refused to hand over power.
"Evidently, the nation is stable and there are signs of
development in the nation," Than Shwe's message said.
The
When she was freed in 1995 after six years of house arrest, she
was put under travel restrictions. Her attempt to defy the ban by travelling to
One source close to the junta has told Reuters news agency to
expect "a breakthrough" in the country's politics.
The source said the opposition leader could be freed in a deal
under which she would co-operate with the military in humanitarian work such as
health and education.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 3 May, 2002,
Analysis: Aung San Suu Kyi's release
By Somchai Suwanban
Head of the BBC's Burmese Service
Behind the ferment of speculation
about whether or not Aung San Suu Kyi is about to be freed lie other important
questions.
Will it make a difference politically if she is released? Some
A big question is, what is the price for her release?
According to some opposition figures, merely allowing her to walk
out of her lakeside home is meaningless.
It would simply turn the clock back 19 months to the moment when
she was prevented from boarding a train to travel out of
Since then the only progress from the dialogue between the
National League for Democracy (NLD) leader and the military government has been
the release of a small number of political prisoners. Releasing them is good PR
for the junta, and is aimed at reducing international pressure.
However, some Burmese journalists working outside the country say
there are a number of political prisoners the government is still reluctant to
set free - key figures like Ming Ko Niang a former student leader, NLD
political activists like U Win Tin, U Aye Tha Aung and U Khin Maung Swe.
Dangerous compromise?
The Burmese junta has spoken of significant progress in the talks.
So what does this mean?
The US State Department says Aung San Suu Kyi should be released
unconditionally and afforded full freedom of movement and association.
But democracy activists outside Burma are wary of her being forced
to accept a deal which may curb her political role, in exchange for the release
of political detainees.
They are worried, too, that she might agree to withdraw one of the
NLD's key demands that the government recognise the party's landslide victory
in the 1990 elections.
Reports from
This would involve a major shift in strategy for Aung San Suu Kyi,
who has hitherto refused to give any sort of legitimacy to the junta.
'Impossible mission'
Nevertheless,
And last year, some United Nations agencies leaked damning reports
on the miserable condition of public health and education.
The country's infrastructure is close to collapse - and both the
government and the opposition are in a dilemma about how to address the
problem.
Reports from
For more than a quarter of a century,
The current leadership has introduced some market reforms, but
Analysts say it would be a monumental task for anyone to reform
the Burmese economy, especially while cronyism and patronage are so entrenched.
The recent purge of the Ne Win family was, in part, because they
were business rivals of the current leadership.
Some economists say that to put Burma on a sound economic footing
would necessarily involve the phasing out of military power in politics - and
that is something the current leadership is not prepared to accept.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 3 May, 2002,
NLD Vice-President Tin Oo told the BBC that final arrangements
were being made for her release from 20 months under house arrest.
He did not elaborate, but senior NLD sources said Aung San Suu Kyi
was still negotiating the conditions for her release.
The BBC's Larry Jagan says the NLD's headquarters in
A new office is being built so Aung San Suu Kyi can resume her
political activities. An air conditioning unit is being installed and a
telephone line repaired.
NLD workers said the phone would be working on Monday, after the
government cut it several years ago.
Government hold up
Speculation about Aung San Suu Kyi's imminent release has been building
all week.
But there is still uncertainty over whether the military
government will release her unconditionally, or whether she will be forced into
some kind of compromise.
Our correspondent says that as days pass with no sign Aung San Suu
Kyi is closer to freedom, there are growing fears the arrangements for her
release have come unstuck.
Senior sources in the NLD say the hold-up is due to the
government's unwillingness to formally commit itself to carrying on a dialogue
with Aung San Suu Kyi.
The sources say the opposition leader has asked the generals to
guarantee her further meetings and access to senior generals when necessary.
One source said the NLD was waiting for the government to issue a
statement before Aung San Suu Kyi would agree to be released.
Diplomats believe this would entail the military publicly
acknowledging that they were having secret talks with the opposition leader and
a commitment to continue the dialogue process.
The international community has been urging the generals to free
the opposition leader unconditionally.
Tin Oo said there was concern not to repeat what happened in 1995,
when Aung San Suu Kyi was released after six years of house arrest but was
forbidden to leave
Aung San Suu Kyi was put under house arrest in September 2000
after she defied the travel ban by trying to visit the city of
During her house arrest she has been in secretive talks with the
military, brokered by the United Nations envoy, Razali Ismail.
Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD won 1990 elections by a landslide but the
military refused to hand over power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 5 May, 2002,
Aung San Suu Kyi release 'imminent'
Reporters have been waiting outside
Aung San Suu Kyi's street
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, will be released on Monday, the country's ambassador in
Ambassador Linn Myaing said he had been informed by
The 56-year old Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been under house
arrest for 19 months.
She has been holding secret talks with
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy convincingly won
elections in 1990, but the country's military rulers have refused to hand over
power.
In preparation for their leader's release, the party has renovated
its offices and the phone line has been restored after being cut by the
military authorities several years ago.
A new public address system has been installed to help with party
meetings and press conferences.
An NLD spokeswoman told the Agence France Presse news agency:
"We are installing air conditioning - it is for her, we are expecting her
release very soon."
Anticipation
Scores of foreign reporters have been waiting for Aung San Suu
Kyi's appearance outside
Government sources have been quoted as saying Aung San Suu Kyi
will be released unconditionally.
She was first placed under house arrest from 1989 to 1995. Her
release then was marked by an outpouring of jubilation.
She was placed under house arrest again in September 2000 after
two high-profile attempts to leave
Our correspondent says that this time she is determined not to do
anything that could threaten the future of the dialogue process.
Unexplained delay
The pro-democracy opposition leader's release has been expected
now for nearly a week.
The UN representative who brokered the talks was told by one of
the country's top generals that the opposition leader would be released early
last week.
There has been no explanation as to what caused the delay but NLD
sources believe Aung San Suu Kyi was trying to ensure that the dialogue process
would continue after her release.
A senior NLD source says the talks have moved notably one step
forward from the confidence-building stage.
Our correspondent says that while the overwhelming hope is that
Aung San Suu Kyi's release does signal a step towards serious political talks,
the generals are certainly in no hurry to introduce meaningful democratic
reform.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002,
Aung San Suu Kyi freed
A government spokesman told the Reuters news agency she was
"at liberty to carry out all activities, including her party's" from
Monday.
There were jubilant scenes as the opposition leader emerged from
her home and arrived at the headquarters of her party, the National League for
Democracy, where more than 300 of her supporters had gathered.
A spokesman for her National League for Democracy said the party
believes her release is unconditional.
The junta said it was "starting a new page" for the
people of
UN role in release
News of Aung San Suu Kyi's release followed hints last week by the
United Nations envoy to
Mr Razali spent four days in talks with
Aung San Suu Kyi's won a landslide victory in 1990 but the junta
refused to give up power.
The government began secret talks with Aung San Suu Kyi in October
2000, a move hailed as a breakthrough. But in recent weeks, the international
community has been voicing its impatience at the lack of progress.
Our
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of assassinated independence hero
Aung San, was held under house arrest from 1989 to 1995.
She was placed back under house arrest in 2000 when she tried to
travel by train to
Her release in 1995 did not herald any political change.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002,
Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst
Like the South African leader Nelson
Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi has become an international symbol of heroic and
peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.
For the Burmese people, Aung San Suu Kyi represents their best and
perhaps sole hope that one day there will be an end to the country's military
repression.
In 1991, while she was under house arrest, she was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to bring democracy to
Her sons went to
"Aung San Suu Kyi cannot be silenced because she speaks the
truth," he said.
For much of the 15 years since she returned to
She was initially under house arrest for six years, until she was
released on
'Impressive' person
However on
During that second period under house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi was
able to regularly meet the other top leaders of her party, the National League
for Democracy, and selected senior visiting diplomats like the United Nations
special envoy Razali Ismail.
This was in stark contrast with the previous time, when she was
often in solitary confinement and for several years was not allowed to see her
two sons or her husband, the late British academic Michael Aris.
During these periods of confinement, Aung San Suu Kyi busied
herself studying and exercising. She meditated, worked on her French and Japanese
language skills, and relaxed by playing Bach on the piano.
She has often said that the earlier period of detention made her
more resolute and ready to dedicate the rest of her life to represent the
average Burmese citizen.
But Aung San Suu Kyi is no ordinary person. The UN envoy, Razali
Ismail has said privately that the opposition leader is undoubtedly one of the
most impressive people he has ever met, and the Burmese junta owe it to the
rest of the world to allow her to realise her potential - for he is certain not
only Burma but Asia will benefit from her political leadership.
Overseas life
Much of Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal within
Aung San Suu Kyi was only two years old at the time.
In 1960 Aung San Suu Kyi - then a teenager - went to
While there she lived the life of a diplomat's child and developed
a wide circle of Indian friends which included Indira Gandhi's sons Rajiv and
Sanjay.
Four years later she went to
After stints of living and working in
But
Protests
It was not until 1988 that she returned to
Thousands of students, office workers and monks took to the
streets for months, demanding democratic reform.
"I could not, as my father's daughter remain indifferent to
all that was going on," she said in a speech in
Aung San Suu Kyi was soon propelled into leading the revolt
against then-dictator General Ne Win. Inspired by the non-violent campaigns of
But the demonstrations were brutally suppressed by the army, who
seized power in a coup on
The military government - the State Law and Order Restoration Council
- called national elections in May 1990.
Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD convincingly won the polls, despite the
fact the she herself was under house arrest and disqualified from standing. But
the junta refused to hand over power.
In March 1999 Aung San Suu Kyi suffered a major personal tragedy
when her husband died of cancer.
The military authorities did offer to allow her to travel to the
UK to see him on his deathbed. But she refused, for fear that the military
government would not allow her back into the country.
She had not seen him for three years.
Now, after years of trying to ignore and belittle Aung San Suu
Kyi, Burma's generals have started secret talks with her on Burma's political
future. It has raised hopes inside and outside the country that this may
eventually lead to some form of democracy.
For the Burmese on the street, Aung San Suu Kyi represents their
aspirations for freedom from military oppression. While she is alive, those
hopes of liberation continue to burn bright.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 10:13 GMT 11:13
UK
Aung San Suu Kyi: Symbol of resistance
By Simon Ingram
BBC correspondent in
The generals who rule Burma might wish
otherwise, but 14 years after she entered the political fray, Aung San Suu Kyi
is as central as ever to hopes of resolving the country's long-running crisis.
From behind the walls of her lakeside villa in Rangoon, Aung San
Suu Kyi has remained a powerful and enduring symbol of resistance to a vilified
regime.
But she is not without her critics. Some accuse her of
inflexibility in pressing her demand that the government accept the National
League for Democracy's 1990 election victory, and hand over power.
In the past two years, the authorities have tried to exploit the
frustration with Aung San Suu Kyi's strategy felt in some quarters abroad to
break out of their own international isolation.
They have achieved some success: strengthening ties with China,
India and neighbouring Thailand have helped mitigate the continuing hostility
of the United States and much of Europe.
But other pressures - notably a fast unravelling economy - obliged
the generals to accept the mediation of the United Nations special envoy,
Razali Ismail, and begin secret negotiations with Aung San Suu Kyi.
The highly limited results of those talks led many to conclude
that the government was more interested in deceiving the outside world than in
nudging Burma along the path to democracy.
Even with Aung San Suu Kyi at liberty, some of that scepticism
will linger.
For the process to continue, each side's readiness to make
concessions will be put to the test. A tortuous process of political
re-engagement still has a very long way to go.
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Monday, 6 May, 2002, 10:45 GMT 11:45
UK
Sacrifices of Aung San Suu Kyi
Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu
Kyi has made huge personal sacrifices in her struggle for democracy in Burma.
She has spent much of the past 14 years since she returned to
Burma under house arrest in Rangoon.
She became one of the world's most famous political prisoners by
refusing offers of freedom in exchange for exile.
When Aung San Suu Kyi's British husband Michael Aris was dying
from cancer in 1999, the military authorities offered to allow her to travel to
the UK to see her husband on his deathbed, and then to his funeral.
But she refused, for fear that the military government would
refuse to allow her back into the country. She even missed his funeral rather
than risk banishment from Burma.
She had not seen her husband for three years.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Burma's assassinated
independence hero Aung San, had always warned Michael, an academic at Oxford
University, that if her country needed her she would do whatever she could.
Political upheaval
The two met when Aung San Suu Kyi was studying in Oxford. They married
in 1972 and had two sons, Alexander and Kim.
Aung San Suu Kyi returned to Burma alone in 1988, initially to
nurse her dying mother. But she arrived just as popular demonstrations against
the military broke out nationwide.
The demonstrations were crushed by the military and a new set of
generals replaced the military dictator Ne Win. Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested
in 1989, accused of inciting unrest and placed under house arrest for six
years.
In 1990 while she was still confined, Aung San Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy won a landslide election victory that the junta refused to
accept.
The opposition leader was released in July 1995 but remained under
strict travel restrictions. She was again put under house arrest in September
2000 when she defied the restrictions and tried to travel to the central
northern city of Mandalay.
During that second stint of house arrest, her telephone was cut
off, but she was regularly able to meet top NLD leaders and visiting diplomats
like the United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail.
She also had visits from her sons and grandson.
This was in stark contrast with the previous period of detention,
when she was often in solitary confinement and for several years was not
allowed to see her family.
Music fan
During a visit to her home in February 1994, she told then-US
Congressman Bill Richardson that her life in detention was not physically harsh
except that sometimes she had no money for food.
While under house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi kept busy by listening
to foreign radio broadcasts, studying French and Japanese, and playing the
piano.
She is a big fan of Bach, but is also said to have acquired new
musical tastes while in detention, including US rock band The Grateful Dead and
reggae singer Bob Marley.
While under house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi kept to a strict
routine, rising at 0430 to meditate, and going to bed at about 2130.
She has often said that the earlier period of detention made her
more resolute and ready to dedicate the rest of her life to represent the
average Burmese citizen.
On one occasion Aung San Suu Kyi said she did not at all like
politics and preferred to be a writer.
"But once I had committed myself, then there cannot be any
half measures," she said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 11:06 GMT 12:06
UK
Q&A: Aung San Suu Kyi's release
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has been freed after nearly 20 months under house arrest. BBC News
Online examines the issues behind her release.
Why is Aung San Suu Kyi's release important?
Aung San Suu Kyi's release is the first major breakthrough in
United Nations sponsored-efforts to resolve years of political deadlock in
Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won 1990
elections by a landslide but the military government refused to recognise the
result.
But for the last 18 months, the military and Aung San Suu Kyi have
been holding secret talks, raising hopes of a reconciliation.
So does this change anything?
It is a big start, but democracy in Burma is still a long way off.
However, it is significant that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released
without any restrictions on her movement.
When she was released in 1995 after six years under house arrest,
very little changed and she was not allowed to leave the capital Rangoon.
Now she can operate freely and says she will continue to talk to
the military government to try to bring political change.
Why have the generals released Aung San Suu Kyi?
Burma has faced international isolation and economic sanctions
over its refusal to reform.
Europe, the United States and Japan had all warned that unless
there was significant progress, they would be forced to consider isolating the
country further and bring in tougher economic sanctions.
Burma is in a prolonged economic crisis and has been trying for
some time to break out of its isolation.
Both the US and the EU have signalled their willingness to resume
limited humanitarian aid, if the dialogue process yielded concrete results.
How did Burma's problems get so serious?
Burma was a British colony until 1948 when it was one of the
world's biggest rice exporters and one of South East Asia's wealthier
countries.
But since 1962 it has been ruled by a repressive military regime.
The first military leader, General Ne Win, put in place nominally
socialist policies which nationalised the economy and discouraged foreign
investment.
By 1988, rice shortages and anger at repression led to street
protests which, on 8 August, saw soldiers firing on unarmed crowds and killing
thousands.
A month later, a group of generals styling themselves as the State
Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) took over and crushed the
pro-democracy movement.
What have the peace talks been about?
The talks are believed to have started in October 2000, a month
after Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest after trying to travel out
of Rangoon.
It was only in January 2001 that the UN envoy to Burma, Razali
Ismail, was able to reveal that the talks had in fact got under way. Very few
details of the talks have leaked - even now that Aung San Suu Kyi is free.
Most of the meetings have been between Aung San Suu Kyi and a
military intelligence liaison officer, though there were rumours in January
that Aung San Suu Kyi had met head of state General Than Shwe, the military
government's all-powerful leader.
The UN has been pressing the government to make a number of key
concessions.
The key concession - Aung San Suu Kyi's release - has now been
met.
But the UN also wants freedom for political parties to operate,
and moves towards power sharing.
In return, the government is thought to be looking for increased
international aid, foreign investment, and a lifting of trade restrictions.
Has Aung San Suu Kyi made any concessions?
Before her release there were reports that Aung San Suu Kyi was
preparing to make some concessions herself, in order to ensure a breakthrough.
Nothing has yet materialised, but with talks expected to continue,
judging how far she should go will be extremely difficult.
She has always demanded that the government accept the NLD's 1990 election
victory, and hand over power.
While some criticise her for being inflexible in that demand, she
will face fierce criticism from inside the NLD and from international human
rights groups if she is seen to be appeasing the military government by backing
down on that demand.
International sanctions are her most powerful bargaining chip in
talks with the ruling generals - many Western countries would resume investment
and aid if Aung San Suu Kyi said she supported such a move.
What is life like for most Burmese?
For the privileged families and friends of the military
government, the past decade has brought increased wealth, imported cars and a
property boom.
But for most of the country's 42 million people, life remains
difficult.
More than 40% of government spending goes to the military, while
health and social programmes suffer.
Inflation has averaged more than 25% and unemployment is very high
in the cities. There are regular power cuts and fuel shortages, and import
restrictions keep some foreign goods out of the shops.
In rural areas, farmers are forced to sell part of their rice to
the government at below-market rates. A UN report estimated that one in three
children is undernourished.
If there is a breakthrough, what are the priorities to address?
There are almost too many to list but the international community
would be hoping for meaningful political reform.
With no democratic tradition, there are no legal checks on the
military government, which has been accused of using policies including
torture, rape, political imprisonment and forced labour.
There is also a problem with refugees. Military action against
ethnic groups like the Karens, and relocations within Shan State, has forced
about 155,000 people into refugee camps in Thailand and Bangladesh.
A further million Burmese live in neighbouring countries but not
in refugee camps - including 700,000 in Thailand.
There are also serious problems with drugs and Aids.
Despite government pledges of a crackdown, Burma is one of the
world's biggest producers of opium, the base for heroin, and methamphetamines.
Although the figures are unreliable, Burma is itself estimated to
have 500,000 heroin addicts. Because of a shortage of needles, they are
believed to be spreading the HIV virus which can lead to Aids.
Some health officials warn that Burma is facing an Aids epidemic
that could eclipse the worst seen in Africa.
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Monday, 6 May, 2002, 11:09 GMT 12:09
UK
Freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi
Burma's pro-democracy leader has been
freed from nearly 20 months of house arrest in the country's capital, Rangoon.
The military government's decision to release her came after mediation
by the United Nations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 12:31 GMT 13:31
UK
Activists welcome Burma release
Two Britons who were jailed in Burma
for pro-democracy protests have cautiously welcomed the release of leader Aung
San Suu Kyi.
Human rights activist James Mawdsley was sentenced to 17 years in
jail for distributing pro-democracy leaflets.
And Rachel Goldwyn, of London, was freed two-and-half years ago
after serving two months of a seven-year sentence for singing a pro-democracy
song.
Mr Mawdsley, who has just returned from his latest visit to Burma,
told BBC News Online that the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest by
the military government was an important step towards democracy.
"Everyone welcomes this move," he said.
"It is the right thing for Burma but it is by no means a
reason to relax pressure on the regime.
Determination
"There may be a sense that the army is losing morale but
there are areas where repression remains savage."
But the 29-year-old charity worker, now living in London, is
optimistic about the country's future.
"I am more and more encouraged by the strength of the Burmese
people. They will win their democracy," he said.
He added that Aung San Suu Kyi's release proved that the European
Union and the British Government's support of elected representatives was
working.
Mr Mawdsley was only freed after spending 416 days in solitary
confinement in Burma two years ago.
Having suffered at the hands of the regime, he said its actions
could never be "taken at face value".
Ms Goldwyn echoed his cautious sentiments.
The development studies masters student said she hoped the
pro-democracy leader's release would be more than a gesture.
Ongoing dialogue
"It's wonderful for her, wonderful for her family and for the
future of the country," she said.
But she added: "I don't want to throw cold water on the news
but we do need to approach it with caution."
Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from house arrest before but
was then stopped from organising politically or meeting with her followers.
She was again placed under house arrest in 2000, when she tried to
travel by train to Mandalay in defiance of restrictions put on her.
Ms Goldwyn said the leader's release needed to be "followed
through" with further action by the government.
"There is a dialogue process. I hope this is an important
step in this dialogue process.
"There are still 2,500 political prisoners inside Burma.
"They must be released for it to be seen as a serious
effort."
Sanction threat
She believes that the potential US ban on all Burmese imports had
spurred on Burma's military government to engage in talks from late 2000.
She is concerned the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner may
not be more than a "conciliatory gesture".
But the impact on the morale of political prisoners could not be
underestimated, she said.
"They are suffering appalling conditions. When the message
gets through it's very important."
Ms Goldwyn, 30, a graduate of the London School of Economics, was
jailed for singing a pro-democracy song in the Burmese capital, Rangoon.
As a foreigner her situation was different but she was convinced
that prisoners would hear about the release.
"This release is important not only to prisoners but to all
the country," she said.
She personally had no plans to return to Burma at present.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 12:48 GMT 13:48
UK
Burma turns on the charm
Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
Shunned for years by the international
community, Burma is now desperately trying to break out of its isolation.
While China has remained Burma's closest ally, ever since the
country's generals seized power in a bloody coup more than 13 years ago, Europe
and the United States have maintained limited sanctions against Rangoon because
of its terrible human-rights record.
International pressure was stepped up after the pro-democracy
party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy (NLD)
convincingly won the national elections in 1990, but were prevented from taking
power by the military.
In the past, Burma's military rulers often made a virtue out of
the fact that they were internationally isolated. But facing a long-term
economic crisis, Burma's military leaders have begun to see the need to open up
to the outside world.
A Burmese businessman who did not want to be identified said:
"At the very least, Burma's military leaders know they need greater access
to international finance, investment and trade if their economy is to
develop."
Charm offensive
While the West tries to keep Rangoon isolated, the generals are
reaching out to its neighbours in East and South East Asia and improving ties
with many of its former allies, like Russia, Yugoslavia and Pakistan.
"Burma's generals are on a charm offensive," said a
former British ambassador to Rangoon, "and they are effectively chipping
away at their international isolation."
Burma's military intelligence chief has frequently told United
Nations officials that Rangoon is not worried by the West's attempts to enforce
sanctions because their Asian neighbours will support them with aid and trade.
This is certainly the case with Burma's closest neighbour,
Thailand. A year ago Bangkok and Rangoon were on the verge of a war. Now
relations between the two countries are growing stronger all the time.
Thailand is prepared to assist Burma economically, in return for
the Burmese stepping up its campaign to stamp out the drugs trade and stem the
flow of illegal workers across the border.
India's military concerns
India, has also changed its policy towards Burma.
Initially, Delhi insisted it supported the opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi and joined the international community in putting pressure on the
generals to respect the 1990 election results. However this has changed into
one of growing engagement. In the past two years there have been regular
ministerial exchanges and a growing military co-operation between the two
countries.
A former Indian ambassador to Rangoon, who did not want to be
identified, said: "India's primary concern is to counter China's dominant
influence in the country."
"The Indian Government is understandably worried about
China's growing military presence in the country," he said.
China 'supports reform'
Although China has remained a staunch ally since 1988, Chinese
officials have hinted that Beijing is now growing concerned about the country's
long-term stability.
"China's leaders are worried about the military government's
lack of political legitimacy and its failing economy," said a Chinese
official, on condition of anonymity.
Beijing now fully supports the UN's efforts to help bring
democratic reform to Burma, according to officials involved in the dialogue
process between the country's generals and Aung San Suu Kyi.
Burma's South East Asian neighbours have also been privately
urging Rangoon to accommodate the opposition leader and introduce a measure of
democratic reform.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad has been at the
forefront of the regional organisation Asean's attempts to get Rangoon to
change.
Greater openness
For its part, Rangoon has also begun to engage the international
community through the UN system.
Over the past two years they have allowed numerous investigative
missions by the International Labour Organisation and the UN rapporteur Paulo
Pinheiro - whereas his predecessor was denied access to Burma during the five
years of his tenure.
"Rangoon has also begun to more responsive to critical
reports in the various UN bodies," said a western diplomat based in
Rangoon.
Once these reports would have made the generals even more insular
than they naturally are. Now they are prepared to listen to criticism and not
dismiss them out of hand.
The international community has always seen its hard stand on
isolating Burma as part of its attempts to encourage the junta to respect the
1990 election results and improve the human-rights situation in the country.
Now with the release from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, and
signs that she will continue to hold secret talks with the generals, there is
likely to be pressure on Europe and the United States to reconsider their
policy of isolating Rangoon.
Before the opposition leader's release, Washington and the EU both
signalled their willingness to reduce Burma's international isolation, and even
resume limited humanitarian aid, if the dialogue process yielded concrete
results.
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Monday, 6 May, 2002, 13:15 GMT 14:15
UK
Audio and video coverage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBC News Online brings you the latest
TV and radio coverage of Aung San Suu Kyi's release.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 6 May 2002
Burma's military government has released the pro-democracy leader,
Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest in Rangoon for the past 20
months. In her first public statement, she said her release was unconditional
and she was free to go anywhere she wanted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 21 September 2000
Miss Suu Kyi's challenge to the restriction on her movements by the
military is vindicated when she is prevented from boarding a train out of
Rangoon. She is later escorted back to her home by the military. The US
condemns Burma's treatement of her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 3 September 2000
Concern grows as to Aung San Suu Kyi's whereabouts after Burmese
soldiers forced her to return to Rangoon, following a standoff at the outskirts
of the Capital. But she later appears in public safe and well. Her movements
have been restricted since being released from six years of house arrest in
1995.
The
BBC's Gina Wilkinson reports
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decade long struggle
Aung San Suu Kyi has been a symbol of democratic resistance to
Burma's military government since the election of 1990. Her National League for
Democracy won that election but the junta refused to hand over power. She has
spent most of the time since then in captivity.
The
BBC's Fergal Keane reports
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 13:42 GMT 14:42
UK
Burma frees opposition leader
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, has rallied her followers after the military government released
her from nearly 20 months of house arrest.
Thousands of cheering supporters mobbed her as she arrived at the
headquarters of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), after being
driven from her lakeside villa in Rangoon.
In her first public statement, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said
her release was unconditional and she was free to go anywhere she wanted.
World leaders have welcomed the development.
United States Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was
"very pleased that she has been released and allowed to participate in
political life once again".
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said he
hoped Burma could now begin the process of reintegration into the international
community.
The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, described the
release as a "major development".
In a speech to jubilant supporters at the NLD headquarters, Aung
San Suu Kyi said: "It's a new dawn for the country... we only hope the
dawn will move very quickly.
"I hope to be able to carry out all my duties for my party
and my country in the best possible way."
'Cautiously optimistic'
The BBC's Larry Jagan in Rangoon said Aung San Suu Kyi appeared
hesitant at first, but "was soon back to her old self, quipping with
journalists".
"She was really in her element in front of the journalists
and talking to her reporters," he said.
Aung San Suu Kyi made it clear she regarded the military
government's decision to free her as only the beginning of a political process.
"My release should not be looked at as a major breakthrough
for democracy. For all people in Burma to enjoy basic freedom - that would be
the major breakthrough," she said.
Asked when she believed democracy would come to her homeland, she
replied: "I hope not in too many more years."
She said talks between the military government and the opposition
had progressed to the stage where they could begin to tackle policy issues.
"The phase of confidence-building is over and we look forward
to moving ahead," she said.
She thanked the United Nations envoy, Razali Ismail, who had held
talks with the military leadership during her confinement.
She added: "Most of the changes over the past 18 months have
benefited the NLD, but it is not for the NLD but for the people of Burma that
we are struggling for freedom.
"We have been disappointed at the slow pace of release of
political prisoners. The releases are important."
One celebrating supporter, who did not want to be named, said:
"I am very proud of her. She is our national heroine. Now Burma is very
poor but when she rules our country I think it will become better."
Secret talks
Aung San Suu Kyi returned home after three hours of talks with
party leaders and later went to pray at Rangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda, the most
important Buddhist shrine in Burma.
Mr Razali, speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, predicted that
Burma would have an elected government "in a couple of years".
However, the BBC's South-East Asia correspondent, Jonathan Head,
says the generals have yet to spell out any plans to share power with the
opposition.
Aung San Suu Kyi won an overwhelming victory in Burma's last
democratic elections in 1990, but was never allowed to take power.
The junta said her release was "starting a new page" for
the people of Burma.
Burma has faced international isolation and economic sanctions
over the issue and over its human rights record.
The government began secret talks with Aung San Suu Kyi in October
2000, but in recent weeks the international community has been voicing its
impatience at the lack of progress.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of assassinated independence hero
Aung San, was held under house arrest from 1989 to 1995.
But her release in 1995 did not herald any political change, and
she was again placed under house arrest in 2000, when she tried to travel by
train to Mandalay in defiance of restrictions put on her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 6 May, 2002, 13:53 GMT 14:53
UK
World welcomes Suu Kyi release
Leaders around the world have welcomed
the release of Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, after 20 months
of house arrest.
United Nations envoy Razali Ismail hailed her release as an
"important beginning" but said more time was needed for national
reconciliation.
The Malaysian diplomat, who brokered secretive talks between Aung
San Suu Kyi and the ruling military junta, said Burma was "clearly
indicating its commitment towards democracy and national reconciliation."
"This is a very happy day. I am delighted for her and the
country," he said.
"I hope they will continue negotiations to institute
democracy but we have to give them time. Don't expect things to happen
immediately."
UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said that Secretary General Kofi Annan
was "ready to assist the efforts of the government and the NLD to... push
ahead the process of reconciliation and democratisation".
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told a news conference
that it was a significant development for Burma, also known as Myanmar.
"It is progress; it shows common sense on the part of both
Aung San Suu Kyi as well as the government of Myanmar and both should be
commended," he said.
"It has taken us a long time but we have to be patient."
'Long overdue'
Other countries have also welcomed the pro-democracy leader's
release.
United States Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was
"very pleased that she has been released and allowed to participate in
political life once again."
UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in a statement: "I
warmly welcome the news that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released.
"Her freedom is long overdue and we hope she is allowed to
carry out her responsibilities as general secretary (of the National League for
Democracy) freely and openly."
Aung San Suu Kyi's release was also welcomed by the Norwegian
Nobel Institute, which awarded her its coveted peace prize in 1991.
"We are incredibly happy over the news," said Olav
Njolstad, acting director of the institute. "She is a unique woman, some
say the most shining of recent Nobel winners.
"We are hoping that the regime (in Burma) is ready for wider
democratisation."
Aung San Suu Kyi did not travel to Norway to receive the award
because of restrictions placed upon her.
Mr Njolstad said: "She knows that she has a standing
invitation from the Norwegian Nobel Committee when the situation is right. She
is heartily welcome."
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said he
hoped Burma could now begin the process of reintegration into the international
community.
Japan - Burma's biggest aid donor - said it would provide more
assistance if moves towards democracy were speeded up.
'Important signals'
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the release was
a positive step.
"We encourage the Burmese Government to build on this by
taking further steps to advance the process," he said in a statement.
Thailand also said the development was a crucial step towards
national reconciliation.
"As a neighbouring country, the Royal Thai Government
welcomes the lifting of the restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi... and allowing
her the liberty to carry out all activities," foreign ministry spokesman
Rattakit Manathat said.
The German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, said the release of
political prisoners and the start of a political dialogue between the
government and opposition groups would now be "important signals" on
the path to democracy.
Human rights
Canada's Foreign Minister, Bill Graham, urged the ruling military
regime to release all political prisoners.
"Canada welcomes the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, which is
long overdue," he said. "We remain concerned, however, over ongoing
human rights violations in Burma."
The World Bank said it welcomed the news and said it hoped this was
"the start of a process" that would lead to Burma re-entering the
international community.
Burma has faced international isolation and economic sanctions
since failing to hand over power in 1990 when Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD won a
landslide election victory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 7 May, 2002, 10:04 GMT 11:04
UK
Suu Kyi presses on for reform
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has been spending her second day of freedom meeting party workers and
diplomats.
But in a sign of the military government's wariness about change,
Burma's official media gave little coverage to Aung San Suu Kyi's release and
did not publish a government statement on political rights.
Aung San Suu Kyi met the ambassadors of Germany, France, Britain
and Italy, and later with the US charge d'affaires.
The European Union and the US have welcomed her release from
nearly 20 months of house arrest.
But they have warned Burma's military rulers that further reforms
are needed before trade embargos imposed in protest at the government's human
rights record can be lifted.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secret talks with the country's
military rulers since she was put under house arrest.
The hope is that there will now be progress towards substantive
negotiations on democratic reform.
There is a lot to do, the spokesman for her National League for
Democracy party, U Lwin, told the BBC.
The NLD won 1990 elections by a landslide but the military junta
refused to hand over power.
The US has given a cautious welcome to her release. President
George Bush called it "very positive" and "a good
development".
But US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington
wanted to see concrete steps towards political reform and national
reconciliation before any review of current sanctions against Burma would take
place.
"We'll be closely watching to see if Aung San Suu Kyi is
afforded full freedom of movement and association," he said.
Jubilant supporters
The BBC's Larry Jagan, who was in Rangoon to witness Aung San Suu
Kyi's release, says the opposition leader is convinced there are no
restrictions on either her movement or her political activity.
But he says the opposition will be cautious at first so as not to
antagonise the military rulers or give them any reason to suspend the talks
they started while Aung San Suu Kyi was confined.
Aung San Suu Kyi was quick to rally her followers after her release
on Monday.
Thousands of cheering supporters mobbed her as she arrived at the
headquarters of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), after being
driven from her lakeside villa in Rangoon.
"It's a new dawn for the country... we only hope the dawn
will move very quickly," the Nobel Peace Prize winner told jubilant
supporters.
She said the "confidence-building" stage was now over
and that the dialogue process with the military was ready to move onto the next
stage.
"My release should not be looked at as a major breakthrough
for democracy. For all people in Burma to enjoy basic freedom - that would be
the major breakthrough," she said.
She went on to meet the leaders of five ethnic political groups,
including the Shan nationality's League for Democracy.
According to opposition sources they joined members of the NLD
central committee to discuss how the ethnic groups might be involved if and
when substantive talks on political issues start.
Aung San Suu Kyi also met European Union ambassadors and briefed
them on her release.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 7 May, 2002, 12:21 GMT 13:21
UK
Burma's long road ahead
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
Burma's generals have released the
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but concern remains about how serious the
military is about political reform.
Members of the National League for Democracy are obviously
ecstatic that their leader has been released, but now the initial euphoria is
subsiding there are questions about where the dialogue process goes from here.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been holding secretive United
Nations-brokered talks with the generals since October 2000.
"Both sides agree that the confidence-building phase is now
over," Aung San Suu Kyi told reporters in Rangoon following her release.
"The authorities have said they look forward to moving to a
more significant stage of the talks."
The NLD spokesman said no meeting between Aung San Suu Kyi and the
generals had yet been arranged but the opposition leader was keen to meet with
them as soon as possible.
It is unclear how keen the military regime is on the idea.
Key demand
Aung San Suu Kyi is certainly convinced that there are no restrictions
on her movement or her political activity. She is adamant that the agreement
which finally produced her release after nearly 20 months under house arrest in
no way comprises either her ideals or her party's.
The NLD position on all issues, including its demand that the
generals recognise its landslide 1990 election victory, remains unchanged, the
opposition leader told journalists.
In practise that does not mean there may not be future changes to
policy.
Aung San Suu Kyi's first practical concern is to revitalise the
NLD. The first task will be to re-open the rest of party offices in Rangoon,
and then the divisional offices throughout the country.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her party's top leaders plan to visit these
offices in due course, but not immediately.
Diplomats say those planned visits will be a real test of how
committed the military is to allowing the NLD to function properly. It was Aung
San Suu Kyi's attempts to travel outside Rangoon in 2000 that prompted the
military to return her to house arrest, having freed her in 1995.
Wooing allies
Since the secret talks between the opposition leader and the
generals started nearly 20 months ago, there has been pressure to involve
Burma's various ethnic groups. Aung San Suu Kyi has been particularly concerned
about how to involve them.
She also wants to develop a broad movement for democracy,
involving, as she put, all democratic parties.
The NLD - as the largest party on the basis of the 1990 election
results - would remain at the centre of the new movement.
The NLD has maintained good contacts with the ethnic political
parties, and Aung San Suu Kyi has already briefed the leaders of four - the
Shan, Mon, Arakanese and Chin.
Bargaining chip
The future may depend on how the international community responds
to Aung San Suu Kyi's release. The military government expects to be rewarded
for freeing her with the resumption of humanitarian aid.
There is no doubt some countries are keen to do so. But most will want
to hear Aung San Suu Kyi's views on the matter before proceeding.
The opposition leader said in her first news conference after her
release that the NLD did not oppose limited humanitarian aid provided it
reached those in need and did not line the pockets of the military.
But she hinted that this was an area that might figure prominently
in any future discussions with the generals.
"I want to help to make life better for the people of
Burma," she told journalists.
There's no doubt that most people in Burma are struggling to
survive and want a change.
"Let's hope Aung San Suu Kyi's release will make a difference
to our lives," said a young taxi driver in Rangoon.
But though the opposition leader is free, the military is still in
control and its leaders do not appear to be in any hurry to introduce real
change.
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Wednesday, 8 May, 2002, 11:34 GMT
12:34 UK
Aung San Suu Kyi 'strengthened'
Burma's freed pro-democracy leader,
Aung San Suu Kyi, has told the BBC that her 20 months under house arrest have
given her a "very good rest" and she has been strengthened by her
supporters' response.
She told the East Asia Today programme that although she was not
able to discuss the specific measures that her National League for Democracy
was planning, they were ready to act.
Earlier, Burma's ambassador to Britain, Kyaw Win, ruled out an
early return to multi-party democracy but said that was the ruling military
government's ultimate goal.
In a separate interview with the BBC, the diplomat said that
following the democracy leader's release, Burma had "probably arrived at a
milestone in the political transition process".
Aung San Suu Kyi said that during her detention she had been
"very much strengthened... by the staunch way in which the members of my
party have stood up to all manners of opposition and persuasion".
Minority fears
Earlier Khun Tun Oo, a leader of Burma's Shan ethnic minority,
said the Nobel laureate had reassured him and other ethnic leaders that would
be included in democracy talks with the ruling military government.
Burma's eight major ethnic groups and 135 subgroups have been
waging insurgencies for political autonomy since the country's independence
from Britain in 1948, although all but the Shan have since struck deals with
the government.
Their leaders feared being sidelined from the democracy movement,
which is dominated by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).
"I'm happy with the assurance by Daw Suu to let the ethnic
groups participate in the talks at an appropriate time," said Khun Tun Oo,
a leader of the Shan group.
But Mr Win stressed to the BBC that democracy would be a gradual
process.
"We do not see anything dramatic happening immediately
concerning... a fully established Western democratic-style political movements
taking place, but there is almost no doubt that the ultimate objective is the
establishment of a multi-party democratic system," he told the World Today
programme.
Although Aung San Suu Kyi has been released without restrictions
on her movement, a source from the NLD told AFP news agency that she would not
leave the capital Rangoon for the next few days.
But Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released on Monday after months of
talks with the ruling military government, did reveal in an interview with a
Norwegian television station that her first trip abroad would be to Norway, AFP
reported.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 9 May, 2002, 07:05 GMT 08:05
UK
Burma's military set for new talks
Burma's military government has said
it will soon resume national reconciliation talks with pro-democracy leader
Aung San Suu Kyi, who was freed from house arrest earlier this week.
The two sides have been in secretive United Nations brokered talks
since October 2000, while Aung San Suu Kyi was confined to her Rangoon home.
Her National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in 1990
elections but the military refused to hand over power.
But the junta has come under increasing pressure in recent months,
as the international community has threatened tougher trade sanctions unless
Burma reforms.
"Talks aimed at national reconciliation between Aung San Suu
Kyi and the military authorities will be resuming very soon," deputy chief
of military intelligence Major General Kyaw Win told reporters on Thursday.
However, no timetable was set.
US visa row
His comments were the first official statement on the dialogue
since the Nobel peace laureate was freed on Monday from nearly 20 months under
house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi said after her release that the initial
"confidence-building" phase of the talks had been completed, and they
would now begin tackling policy issues.
But Kyaw Win refused to confirm that.
"If we didn't have confidence in each other from the
beginning, the dialogue would not have started in the first place," he
told reporters.
The US welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi but has called for
major changes before it will lift sanctions, including an arms embargo and an
investment ban.
But there has been some anger in the US over the decision to waive
a visa ban to allow a senior member of Burma's military regime to attend a
drugs conference in Washington next week.
US Congressman, Tom Lantos, a senior member of the foreign affairs
committee, said the move was a "profound mistake" and accused the
Bush administration of prematurely softening its stance on Burma.
The US State Department said the visit by Colonel Kyaw Thein, who
runs Burma's anti-drugs operation, had been planned for some time and was not
related to Aung San Suu Kyi's release.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 10 May, 2002, 14:53 GMT 15:53
UK
Can democracy be restored in Burma?
Burma's military government has
released the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house
arrest in Rangoon for the past 19 months.
With restrictions on her movement and political activities now
lifted, she has pledged to work for her party, the National League for
Democracy (NLD), and renew her struggle to bring back democracy to Burma.
Many supporters are hoping she will be able to wrest control of
the country from the military, which cast aside her landslide election victory
in 1990.
But Burma, estranged from most of the world after years of
military rule, is now facing acute social deprivation and a crumbling economy.
Should the NLD try to work with Burma's military government? Or
should it try to push for democratic reform in other ways?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments
below.
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Your reaction
I wish people had been more mature and made wiser by past experience.
We should have had enough lessons and developed understanding in fighting the
military government for democracy. I do not believe that international pressure
has changed the military. The Burmese military doesn't care at all about any
kind of pressure. Perhaps the young generation in the military are struggling
very cautiously towards democracy for the benefit of the people. It is not easy
for them to do it, but apparently they are trying for it. We MUST WELCOME and
recognise their struggle, and look forward to work with them in the future. At
least, we should not forget to give them a way out, rather than pushing to the
corner. I believe that the more we are thinking that way, the nearer for us to
get democracy.
Yuwadi, Malaysia
That was good news for the whole of Burma. I hope that the
leadership of Aung Sun Su Kyi changes the people's lives and manages the
socio-economic and healthcare crises.
Dr Tin S, Taiwan
"The non-zero sum game" is about to enter the next
stage. Neither turbulent flow nor slow flow is a good movement. Constant,
steady flow is the best movement. Some believe that the generals are only
stringing out the process to deflect international pressure. They should
realise that prolonging the process loses them bargaining power. The fast
unravelling economy won't allow a long string.
Hlaing Oo, Japan
Military ascendancy is not a Burmese tradition. But we should
notice that the legacy of Ne Win Era still remains in the political arena. The
action against that family might be an attempt to separate the army from past
connection with Ne Win. There is little hope that Burmese generals will go back
to the barracks as their counterparts in Thailand did years ago.
Aye Chan, USA
Democracy cannot be restored in Burma, because Burma never in its
history has had a stable democratic government. Hopefully, through the work of
Aung San Suu Kyi and others, democracy may take root in Burma. But it will be
chancy, because the generals do not want to lose power.
James M. Castro, USA
The Burmese military rulers don't deserve praise or reward for
righting their own wrongdoing. You don't bargain with bullies. The destiny of
Burma is democracy and that's what the free world must insist on for Burma.
Robin Sengupta, USA
The dawn is coming. We are really happy in the UK.
Kyaw Kyaw Maw, UK
Burma will never be a democracy so long as the army are in charg.
Pradip, UK
This is the dawn of democracy to Burma. Of course, it is great
news to anyone who realises the value of democracy, but we still need to be
careful about the tricks and strategies of the junta. We should not be careless
that they have nothing more than in their heart but power.
Kyaw Swe Myint, Japan
At last our nightmares are going to be finished and the suffering
to be removed. We, the people who were away from the motherland, should welcome
the progress of our country's political situation and thank both the government
and the opposition party.
Min Maung Maung, USA
I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Burma's people to
finally have their leader restored to them. I do think that she will be the
most effective instrument for pushing forward the democratic movement in her
country. I hope that every government will welcome her release and see it as an
opportunity for democracy, renewed order and better economic conditions for all
of Burma's people. As one person has said already, "Caution and more work
tomorrow but for one day let's just be happy!" Let's be happy for the hope
that has been restored to Burma this day, and prepare to support those who are
working.
Claire Guyer, USA
What we need now urgently is a completely stable country run by a
government which really knows how to gain public trust. I believe neither NLD nor
SPDC alone can do it. Democracy and human rights are no use for an empty
stomach. Besides, we can't build a democratic country in one day. As Maung
Maung, USA said, "We can't afford to suffer again for power play."
Poe Khwar, U.K
We believe that Aung San Suu Kyi will bring democracy to our
country
YIT students
I'm sure that Burma will become a democratic country. The will of
the people, international pressure, economic and social crisis are pushing the
military regime to change their way. The regime will become weak by its wrong
policies and mismanagement.
Kyaw Kyaw Soe, Japan
I believe it was 1776 when this country gained its independence
from a repressive government. I feel this is what Aung San Suu Kyi has in mind
for Burma.
Michael E. Badgett, USA
The SPDC can no longer afford to operate without foreign
investment. Suu Kyi's release is a ploy to encourage investment and lifting of
sanctions. The world must do neither and keep the pressure. The SPDC are at
their weakest for decades.
Enah, UK
Never mind Burma, with present attitudes and actions, can
democracy be restored in western Europe? Or is the view held by the political
establishment the only one permitted?
Paul B, Oxfordshire, UK
This is not the first time we know Aung San Suu Kyi has been
released from house arrest. The government may rearrest her at any time.
However, let's build a stable democratic government as soon as possible before
the government might take over power again.
Htee Ku, Burma
This is a great step forward, though I'm naturally cautious. I
wonder what actions they'll take to support their words. Remember that although
they're giving in to political pressure finally, that their motives have likely
not changed. Suu Kyi has been released before in the past, though this release
is said to be "unconditional." I think that there are some
outstanding questions such as: will they hold a new election? Remember that the
NLD won by a landslide in 1989 and that consequently lead to political
detainments. Are they finally willing to provide a voice to the people? Or will
they use this release to get themselves into the good graces of the US so that
it will be "politically correct" for big name investors to resume
investments? To date, most, if not all of that money has gone into pockets, and
building a robust military.
The time to visit would be in the coming year to take a
temperature of the general sentiment and hopefulness of the general public.
Although I've expressed some weariness in the above, I do think that this is a
step forward - strategic or otherwise. I encountered some people on my trip who
were near to tears as we discussed their quality of life in private, and wish
that I was there today to either see the celebration, or witness the doubt. I
sense that their daily lives will not change much in the near future.
Phillippa Tan, USA
This is the same regime had put Daw Suu under house arrest in 1989
and released her from years later. Then put her behind the iron gate again. Now
let her go outside the gate again! Who knows what's next? This on-again
off-again pattern must stop here. The release is a great news indeed... yet,
I'm still incredulous about her release being "unconditional." Let's
wait and see.
Ryan Chow, US
Finally, our country leader has been freed. I am looking forward
to Burma being a democratic country like the UK and America. Please help my
country to be a democratic country. I believe the regime would make the
election happen again. Hopefully, Burma will be free in everything, such as
trade, and foreign exchanges. So let's help Burma now. Please!
Min Ye Lwin, United States of America
Yes, this is very heart-warming news, we (people) have to be
united behind her. We can't just wait and see. We have a lot to do to rebuild
the country which decades long destruction by military rulers.
Tin, USA
I'm really happy to hear that news about Aung San Suu Kyi's
unconditional release. This is a victory for democratical strugglers in the
world. She is an unstoppable heroine of our life time, for freedom, for democracy,
for peace.
Kolitha Fernando, Sri Lankan living in Australia
We have some idea of what Aung San Suu Kyi is made of after all
these years. Now we shall see what the rest of the world leaders are composed
of, especially those who proclaim to support democracy and human rights. What
indeed does the future hold for Burma?
Eva, USA
The military government in Burma has destroyed the country and
needs to be replaced by a legitimate government. However, any government will
find it difficult to repair all the damage that has been done. They will
therefore need some real international help, not just words, to recover. If the
military don't relinquish power soon, Burma is going to find itself in the same
condition as North Korea, where there are food shortages and extreme poverty.
Phil T, Oman
Everybody, especially the Myanmars, should welcome this great
positive step. We have already suffered, persevered and been patient. Now this
is time to forgive the past as a reward for their commendable decision with goodwill.
This will be in line with the Buddha's teachings. With these conceptions, we
hope to regain a peaceful country desirable to stay for our citizens.
Tin M, Malaysia
The obvious danger is that the otherwise entirely laudable and
long-overdue release of Aung San Suu Kyi will be the end of the process, not
the beginning. Many other entirely innocent political prisoners languish in
appalling conditions in Burma's jails, and unless there is continuing
unremitting pressure from the rest of the world, they may well stay there.
Nevertheless, her release is another small victory for the power of non-violent
resistance and principled political pressure, and for that small ray of
sunshine in a world driven by violence, we should all be grateful.
Stephen Yolland, Australia
In short, no. A democratic government under the leadership of a
courageous leader like Aung San Suu Kyi is not conducive to the exploitation of
Burma's rich natural resources by multinational corporations. The world did
nothing to topple the military dictatorship in Nigeria because a certain well
known oil company was gleefully exploiting the oil deposits of that country. We
watched and waited while Ken Saro Wiwa, the activist who fought for the rights
of the exploited people was hanged. The question is, what did we do when Ms Suu
Kyi was placed in house arrest in the first place? When the 1988 election where
she won 80% of the vote was annulled? When at least 10,000 of her supporters
were brutally murdered?
The junta has the tacit backing of the international community. It
was only few years ago that they were welcomed to the Association of South-east
Asian Nations (ASEAN).They will periodically release Ms Suu Kyi for a couple of
years, before consigning her back to her home-cum-prison. This is so that the
international community can say "Look, see? They are interested in change,
we should engage in dialogue with them." Dialogue, not about restoring
democracy, but about gaining access to the remaining natural resources of the
country. Dialogue about how to further exploit the cheap labour. As for the
international community applying any real pressure to oust the tin pot
dictatorship... I am not holding my breath.
R Rezel,
Of course we are happy for our leader's release. I just feel that
we, Burmese people need human rights since we are human beings. We do not have
human rights at all in
The military regime has been rooted in
Burmese intellectuals abroad welcome the news but prefer to wait
and see the real change to democratic rule led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Once the
best in South East Asia, Burma is now one of the poorest. When freedom from
fear rules in
I agree with people who say 'wait and see.' I am happy that Suu
Kyi is released but military junta has been lying to everyone for over a
decade. I don't want to be optimistic about this news at this time. So, let's
wait and see.
The military junta ran
If Aung San Suu Kyi had the patience to endure 19 months of house
arrest without whinging to the media, I think we should be patient for 19 days
or 19 weeks to see how the people of
Caroline Walcot,
Caution and more work tomorrow but for one day let's just be
happy!
This is not the first time that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released
from house arrest. In July 1995, SLORC, as the Burmese regime was then known,
released her from six years of house arrest, during which her coalition party,
the NLD, won a landslide electoral victory. The junta refused to hand over
power. Suu Kyi's release then, as now, was party thanks to international
pressure. But the world's attention soon wandered and Suu Kyi's freedom was
increasingly restricted. As a reporter in
After making several trips to
Joe Bindloss,
This is heartening news indeed. At this stage, we can only hope the
military junta's moves are a genuine step towards restoring democracy to the
cruelly oppressed people of
Graham, The
What is important at this juncture is to revive the economy and
let foreign companies also play an important role in reviving the economy of
Christina Rajendren,
The unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is most welcome.
This eventful day will go down in
Robert Peters,
I think this is just the beginning. There is a lot more to be
done. It is not right for military rulers to control some of the most peaceful
people in the world. Democracy cannot pave its way into
Whatever happens, we as a country have to stand on our own two
feet. We have suffered long enough from British imperialism, of which the
military junta can be said to have derived from to unite the country. An
understanding of freedom and establishing democracy will take time for our
people, but with Aung San Suu Kyi, and the peaceful minds of her and my Burmese
people, I'm certain that a peaceful move toward democracy is not far away.
Let's not forget what Daw Suu's father Bogyoke Aung San said when
he gave his speech to the public before gaining independence: "We cannot
gain our independence just by hoping and wishing away, we will have to work
very hard - flat out." For us, the release of Daw Suu is just the
beginning. The release of other political prisoners has to follow. The military
has to admit defeat and recreate its role as a non-political entity with its
primary role of defence of the country. The people of
Aung San Suu Kyi's (hopefully) unrestricted release is the
beginning. She now needs all the patience, tolerance, pragmatism and compassion
that her Buddhist background has engendered in her to guide her in leading the
people of
I am proud that a Malaysian United Nations envoy was able to make
a possible deal with the junta for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. I hope that
she and her supporters will keep clear of violence by not retaliating against
the junta for progress and develop together with other third world countries. I
do admire the courage and will in her as a symbol of women in politics. May God
bless her and the people of
This indeed is the greatest news of the year. I hope the junta
eventually realise the tremendous loss we have incurred. I now need to go back
home and spend some lost time with long lost friends.
Tin Mg
I welcome the current situation but we haven't got democracy yet.
Both sides need to practice and build a concrete relationship. All need to
focus on what is the best for our country and let's move to build a stable
democratic government as soon as possible with a careful approach. We can't
afford to suffer again for power play.
It's great news to see Aung San Suu Kyi free again. It must be a
great lift for the Burmese people and her loyal supporters who have endured so
much. Still it is only one step in the long journey to proper freedom and
democracy. Best wishes to her. May her resolve remain strong.
Baz D,
This is not the first time that the Burmese military have carried
out an action which seems to hint at loosening their control. They have carried
out similar 'liberalisation' measures once every decade since the 1960s. Each
time, the measures were carried out to test the waters, gauge the level of
support for the opposition and to reaffirm military control thereafter. So
frankly speaking, I am really sceptical about this latest move. Furthermore,
the regime has just experienced an abortive coup, thus it is even more unlikely
that it will want to loosen control now.
Marilyn Lim,
I am very optimistic after hearing about the release of Aung San
Suu Kyi. I hope our Japanese government will play its part in making the
democracy talks easier.
I hope it will bring significant change for the people of
We should wait and see. The generals are very crafty, and some of
them are evil genius. In their heart of hearts they just wants to maintain their
power. Their follow up actions will speak louder than their words.
Dr B T Win,
Though there's a long way to go before we see the "real
democracy" in Myanmar [Burma], the international community, beginning with
Japan and other G-8 countries, should extend a welcome gesture to the regime,
for taking this all important positive step towards national reconciliation
(albeit seemingly reluctantly and under world pressure).
While I am happy that she has been released after many years, this
appears to be nothing more than a political act done in reaction to world
events. The international community should welcome her release but have a
wait-and-see approach to see if this is real change or political blue smoke and
mirrors.
Wayne Robertson,
The Burmese military junta has been lying to its people and
international community for over a decade - the world still has to be cautious
about the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. Unless the junta proves they are
genuinely trying to improve the country's image, we should not be optimistic
about this news yet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 14 May, 2002,
"They are all in good health and reunited with their
respective families," said a statement from the office of the military
spokesman.
About 290 political prisoners, mostly from the NLD, have been
released since the ruling junta started reconciliation talks with Aung San Suu
Kyi in October 2000, but human rights groups say about 1,500 more remain in
jails.
The NLD leader said, on her release from 20 months of
incarceration, that freeing not only her supporters, but all political
prisoners, was one of her priorities.
Japanese visit
The nine NLD members' release came as the Nobel laureate met a top
Japanese Foreign Ministry official, Taeko Takahashi - the most senior official
to visit Aung San Suu Kyi since her release.
The pro-democracy leader is reported to have said that she plans
to visit
Mr Takahashi was also expected to meet Burmese economic minister
Brigadier General David Abel later on Tuesday.
The NLD won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but the military
refused to hand over power.
But the junta has come under increasing pressure in recent months,
as the international community has threatened tougher trade sanctions unless
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 17 May, 2002,
Aung San Suu Kyi tests freedom
Aung San Suu Kyi drove from
Aung San Suu Kyi says all restrictions on her have now been
lifted, but analysts are watching this trip carefully to see how much the
military government can tolerate her expanding political influence.
She was accompanied by NLD vice chairman Tin Oo and some youth
members, said party officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Arriving at the party office she was greeted by a crowd who
clapped, cheered and chanted, AP news agency reported.
A party source told AFP news agency: "This was a routine trip
to one of the satellite township offices, which have been open since last year.
She went to reorganise the youth group there".
In an interview on Thursday Aung San Suu Kyi said she was not
expecting any problems.
"I don't think there will be any disturbance when I visit
township offices," she told the Burmese-language service of Radio Free
Asia.
The visit was especially poignant because the last time Aung San
Suu Kyi tried to leave
Confident
The NLD won 1990 elections by a landslide but the military refused
to hand over power. Since October 2000, Aung San Suu Kyi has been in secretive
United Nations-brokered talks with the military to try to break the deadlock.
The UN special envoy brokering the
Aung San Suu Kyi's release had set the momentum he said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 17 May, 2002,
Aung San Suu Kyi rallies party
By Somchai Suwanban
Head of the BBC's Burmese Service
Aung San Suu Kyi has the revival of
her National League for Democracy political party as one of her top priorities.
The military government has systematically dismantled the
organisation and infrastructure of the NLD during the past 10 years.
Many NLD political workers and grass roots activists have been
forced to abandon their membership, some coerced into joining the
government-sponsored
The USDA has apparently become stronger during Aung San Suu Kyi's
house arrest and it could turn into a political party should there be an
election.
It is essential for Aung San Suu Kyi to go out and meet
demoralised NLD members in order to breath new life into the party which won an
overwhelming majority in the May 1990 elections.
The party is now almost defunct and left with an ageing executive
committee and little inspiration among the rank and file.
Aung San Suu Kyi needs to rebuild the NLD's political structure
and attract younger members up and down the country to work with her, 'to
empower the powerless' as she put it.
Slow process
Aung San Suu Kyi will also be pushing for the release of more
political prisoners.
But this will be difficult. The military government has no
interest in setting free key political activists who would be able to
strengthen the NLD's political appeal.
The government is actively supporting the USDA as a political
proxy when the electoral battle lines are eventually drawn up.
But that may be a long way off. After almost 19 months of
'confidence building' talks, many people are now asking what comes next. Some
ethnic leaders have said they want to be part of the next step.
But ethnic political aspiration has always been a thorny and
complicated issue in Burmese politics. Some historians believe that the issue
may be partly behind the 1947 assassination of Aung San, Aung San Suu Kyi's
father.
After the confidence building phase, the military government and
Aung San Suu Kyi will next engage in 'talk about talk' before the actual
reconciliation can begin.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 18 May, 2002,
US welcomes Suu Kyi travel freedom
The
On Friday, Aung San Suu Kyi visited one of her party's offices on
the outskirts of the capital,
A spokesman for the US State Department, Richard Boucher, urged
the Burmese regime to continue progress by scheduling substantive talks soon
with Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy.
She was confined to her house in September 2000 after defying a
government ban on travel outside
Despite
The sanctions, which include investment restrictions, a visa ban
and a bar on lending by international financial institutions, were imposed by
then-President Bill
Aids package
The
But far-reaching change in
The
The decision has been seen as a small gesture to the Burmese
regime, but may be intended to bolster United Nations envoy Razali Ismail's
credibility as he tries to convince the military to offer genuine political
reform.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 27 May, 2002,
The NLD restated its demand as the party's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
addressed more than 1,000 members and several foreign diplomats on the 12th
anniversary of the NLD's triumph in the polls.
At the largest political NLD gathering since Aung San Suu Kyi was
released from 19 months of house arrest earlier this month, the opposition
leader told a cheering crowd to be unified and to prepare to face hardships in
their struggle for democracy.
There had been speculation that following her release from
detention, the NLD might soften its stance on the 1990 election.
But a statement released by the party read: "Through...
dialogue, a parliament with the elected representatives of the 1990 election
must be convened to establish a democratic country."
Suu Kyi's address
To chants of "long live Aung San Suu Kyi", the Nobel
laureate, in a light blue traditional dress, pledged to act with integrity in
her dealings with
"I will never deceive the people and will never do anything
against the interest of the country and the people.
"I will not discuss important issues without consulting the
NLD leaders and will never make any secret deals, which is undemocratic,"
she promised.
The NLD said in the statement that those talks should now be
joined by
The NLD also issued 21 resolutions explaining the party's demands
in greater detail.
The head of the BBC's Burmese section, Somchai Suwanban, says democracy
activists inside and outside the country will be scrutinising the NLD executive
committee's statements and resolutions for any hint of the party's road map to
democracy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Larry Jagan
BBC Burma analyst in
The National League for Democracy (NLD) leader has not met any
senior military officials since her release on 6 May, and the generals have
made no attempt to resume talks with her.
The two sides started secretive talks in October 2000, and Aung
San Suu Kyi's release had seemed to signal the start of more substantive
negotiations.
Shortly after Aung San Suu Kyi was freed, Burma's deputy
intelligence chief, Brigadier General Kyaw Win told journalists that both sides
trusted each other and a new stage in the dialogue process would start soon -
but that was more than four weeks ago.
Renewed restrictions
The generals are again trying to restrict the opposition leader's
movements and political activities.
Since her release Aung San Suu Kyi has been visiting party offices
and inspecting international aid projects.
It is these latter visits which worry the generals most. So far
Aung San Suu Kyi has visited a UNICEF project and a hospital in the capital
Rangoon - the Muslim Free Hospital.
Both times thousands of people gathered to glimpse Aung San Suu
Kyi, according to Rangoon residents. When she visited the hospital, the traffic
was brought to a standstill.
The opposition leader is anxious to see more aid projects, and
many international groups working in Burma have invited her to visit their
showcase projects.
On Wednesday Aung San Suu Kyi was scheduled to visit a Japanese
non-governmental organisation, but the trip was cancelled by the government.
Earlier the government also refused permission for the opposition leader to
visit UN programmes in government buildings.
Essential work
Opposition sources say visiting these kinds of projects is an
important part of the work of the NLD's central executive committee, as it
prepares a report on the need for humanitarian assistance.
For some time NLD party leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, have
been critical of UN aid programmes. They have suggested that a thorough
examination be carried out of what money has been spent and what impact it has
had on the lives of the poor before increased aid is considered.
NLD sources say its report on the humanitarian situation and the
review of the party's policy on aid should be completed by the end of the
month.
This is crucial, they say, before the dialogue process can proceed
onto substantive issues.
Threats
But while the NLD leaders are preparing for the talks to resume
and move onto the next stage, Burma's generals appear more anxious to isolate
Aung San Suu Kyi than engage her in fresh discussions about the country's
future.
The generals certainly do not want her to be seen socially. After
Aung San Suu Kyi attended a prominent wedding in Rangoon recently, the father
of one of the couple - a former ambassador and now a prominent businessman -
had all his government contracts cancelled and his mobile phone confiscated.
The military government has warned other businessmen that there
would be severe repercussions if they have any contact with Aung San Suu Kyi.
The big test
When she was released, Aung San Suu Kyi said all restrictions upon
her had been lifted, but the reality now seems very different.
The real test will be when she tries to make her first visit outside
Rangoon. Opposition sources say she plans to do that within the next few weeks
and Mandalay is the most likely destination.
It was her attempt to travel to that city by train that led to her
being placed under house arrest in September 2000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 14 June, 2002, 03:06 GMT 04:06
UK
Freedom test for Suu Kyi
The Burmese opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has left the capital, Rangoon, for the first time since her release
from house arrest last month.
She left her house early on Friday morning to on a pilgrimage to
the Buddhist shrine at Thamanya mountain, 320 kilometres (200 miles) south-east
of Rangoon.
She left quietly without prior announcement, apparently to ensure
that she was not followed by crowds of supporters.
The two-day excursion, to Karen state, is being seen as a test of
her freedom of movement after years under travel restrictions and house arrest.
An attempt to leave Rangoon in August 2000 resulted in a nine-day
stand-off when police blocked her car on a road.
She was eventually forced to return home.
An attempt to travel by train to Mandalay the following month, led
to a period of house arrest, which lasted for 20 months until early May.
Private trip
Aung San Suu Kyi is a devout Buddhist, and she will meet a monk, U
Viniya, at Thamanya mountain.
She visited the monk in 1995, after she was released from an
earlier period of detention.
"The visit is a private pilgrimage," according to a
source from her National League for Democracy (NLD).
She was accompanied by the NLD chairman Tin Oo and his wife.
The NLD easily won the 1990 elections, the last to be held in
Burma, but the military has refused to give up power.
Aung San Suu Kyi has said she wanted to resume talks with army
leaders as soon as possible.
But since her release from her latest period of detention on 6
May, the generals have made no attempt to resume talks with her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 18 June, 2002, 14:27 GMT
15:27 UK
Suu Kyi speaks out for women
Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has launched a stinging criticism of the treatment of women in Burma.
In an address to mark her 57th birthday on Wednesday, she said
Burmese women were rarely allowed to gain positions of importance and that the
situation needed to change.
She also praised them for their courage in overcoming the
handicaps imposed on them - and appealed to them to play a greater role in
paving the way for social, political and economic change.
Correspondents say she deliberately avoided a verbal attack on the
Burmese Government, but some implicit criticism can be read into her statement.
Birthday message
Aung San Suu Kyi is Burma's main opposition leader, and her speech
was directed at both women within the country and Burmese exiles.
"In Burma, as in many other parts of the world, women are the
underprivileged gender," she said.
"In areas of conflict and crisis, it is our women and
children who suffer most. On the other hand, our women are rarely allowed to
achieve decision-making positions even though they are able and well
qualified."
The pro-democracy leader also said women needed to reach their
full potential for the country to make progress.
"The women of Burma must shape not only their own destiny but
the destiny of the nation," she said.
They must play a vigorous and leading role in paving the way to
social, political and economic changes in the country."
Aung San Suu Kyi went on to praise Burmese women for the courage
they had shown in the past.
"Women have had to develop endurance and courage where they
might overcome the handicaps imposed on them by outmoded prejudice."
"I would like to call upon the women of Burma to use this
courage and endurance to ensure that we move forward as speedily as
possible."
House arrest
Aung San Suu Kyi will be marking her birthday with the rare luxury
of being free from the restrictions of house arrest.
But little has been achieved since she was freed in May. The BBC's
Larry Jagan says the junta that rules the country has so far not made any
attempt to talk to her.
Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as the figurehead of the pro-democracy
movement in Burma in 1988.
She was held under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and again from
September 2000 to May this year.
Since her release she has so far kept a low profile and avoided
gestures that could embarrass or anger the junta.
Although she is free to travel outside Rangoon she has only made
one major trip, and that was a private pilgrimage rather than an effort to
rally political support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 22 June, 2002, 07:12 GMT
08:12 UK
Burmese opposition leader tests
freedom
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has made her first political trip outside the capital Rangoon since her
release from house arrest last month.
She is due to visit the city of Mandalay, where she will meet
officials from her political party, the National League for Democracy.
Her low-key but unhindered departure early on Saturday shows signs
that the military government may be keeping a promise made at her release to
allow her full political freedom.
Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest after breaking
travel restrictions placed on her by the government.
Observers have previously said that a politically-motivated trip
outside the capital would be the first true test of the regime's commitment to
keep their promise.
Authorities told
The main reason for Aung San Suu Kyi's 10 day trip to Mandalay,
Burma's second city which lies 380 miles (610 kilometres) north of the capital,
is to visit members of the NLD, party officials said.
En route, she will also visit the towns of Magwe, Kyaukpadaung and
Natmauk.
In Natmauk the Nobel peace prize winner will visit the birthplace
of her father, independence hero Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947.
A senior military intelligence officer said that Aung San Suu Kyi
had informed the authorities of her planned trip in advance.
Asked if they had arranged security for her, the officer said:
"They don't like us to follow them."
Religious trip
When she was released in May after 19 months of house arrest, Aung
San Suu Kyi said there were no restrictions on her movement.
But since then she has only made one trip outside the capital,
which was a two-day private religious pilgrimage to see a revered Buddhist
monk.
Her house arrest, from September 2000 until last month, was
prompted by several high profile attempts to leave Rangoon in defiance of
travel restrictions.
A bid to drive south of the capital in August 2000 led to a
nine-day roadside stand-off after police blocked her car. Eventually, she was
forcibly returned home, sparking an international outcry.
Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party won Burma's last election with a
landslide victory in 1990. But the military government refused to hand over
power, and since then she has spent long periods under house arrest.
Many observers hoped that her release would signal a thaw in
relations with Burma's ruling military junta.
But so far she has been largely ignored by the regime and has met
no senior generals, dampening hopes for political progress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 27 June, 2002, 08:22 GMT
09:22 UK
Suu Kyi reaches Mandalay
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi has been greeted by a crowd of several thousand people after she
arrived in Mandalay on Wednesday.
The crowd filled the streets and climbed trees to witness her
first political trip outside the capital Rangoon since her release from house
arrest last month.
She was due to meet officials from her political party, the
National League for Democracy, which won 1990 elections but was prevented from
taking power.
The visit to Mandalay is highly symbolic because it was there that
Aung San Suu Kyi was trying to visit when she was placed under house arrest in
September 2000.
The opposition leader left the capital Rangoon by car early on
Saturday and has been stopping off at towns on the way to make speeches to
party activists.
Her visit so far has been low-key but unhindered - showing signs
that the military government may be keeping a promise made at her release to
allow her full political freedom.
Father's birthplace
Observers say the trip to Mandalay, which is 610 kilometres (380
miles) north of Rangoon, is the first real test of how committed the military
is to keeping its promise.
An overnight trip outside Rangoon earlier this month was a private
visit to a Buddhist monk.
"Her visit is going smoothly and successfully," NLD
secretary U Lwin told Reuters news agency on Tuesday.
Aung San Suu Kyi, who turned 57 last week, is the daughter of
Burma's independence hero Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947. She won the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her efforts to bring democracy to Burma, and has
spent long periods under house arrest.
A senior military intelligence officer last week said Aung San Suu
Kyi had informed the authorities of her planned trip in advance.
Asked if they had arranged security for her, the officer said:
"They don't like us to follow them."
Many observers hoped that Aung San Suu Kyi's release would signal
a thaw in relations with Burma's ruling military junta. But so far she has been
largely ignored by the regime and has met no senior generals, dampening hopes
for political progress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 1 July, 2002, 09:21 GMT 10:21
UK
Suu Kyi's tour 'a success'
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi's first unhindered political trip outside the capital was
"successful" and she plans to make similar trips, party officials
have said.
Aung San Suu Kyi returned to Rangoon on Sunday night after a
nine-day tour during which she met local officials of her National League for
Democracy (NLD) in several towns as well as in Mandalay, Burma's second city.
Crowds of people in Mandalay had filled the streets and climbed
trees to witness Aung San Suu Kyi's first political trip outside Rangoon since
her release from house arrest in May.
Analysts say the military government has decided to try being
constructive towards the pro-democracy leader, having faced years of
international criticism.
It was the first real test of the junta's promise when it released
Aung San Suu Kyi that she would be able to travel freely.
Long struggle
The visit to Mandalay, 610 kilometres (380 miles) north of
Rangoon, was highly symbolic because it was there that Aung San Suu Kyi was
trying to visit when she was placed under house arrest in September 2000.
"It was a very successful political trip," said NLD
spokesman U Lwin.
The NLD overwhelmingly won 1990 elections but the military junta
refused to hand over power.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 57, is the daughter of Burma's independence hero
Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991
for her efforts to bring democracy to Burma, and has spent long periods under
house arrest.
Many observers hoped Aung San Suu Kyi's release would signal a
thaw in relations with Burma's ruling military junta. But so far she has been
largely ignored by the regime and has met no senior generals, dampening hopes
for political progress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 21 July, 2002, 14:48 GMT 15:48
UK
Burmese democracy leader cheered
Thousands of cheering supporters have
greeted the Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is venturing
outside the capital for the second time since being released from house arrest
in May.
As she opened new offices of her party, the National League for
Democracy (NLD), in Moulmein, south-east of Rangoon, once-forbidden songs
played.
About 3,000 clapping people jammed Moulmein's main street as she
arrived.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 57, told supporters only the people had the
right to decide the nation's fate and her party would persevere in the building
of a democratic system.
She is also expected to meet ethnic minority groups such as the
Mon, Karen and Pa-O on her four-day tour outside Rangoon.
An NLD spokesman said the military was providing tight security
for her trip, but was not following her everywhere.
Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of Burma's independence hero Aung
San, who was assassinated in 1947.
She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her efforts to bring
democracy to Burma, and has spent long periods under house arrest.
Many observers hoped Aung San Suu Kyi's release in May would
signal a thaw in relations with Burma's ruling military junta.
But so far she has been largely ignored by the regime and has met
no senior generals, dampening hopes for political progress.
The government began a dialogue in October 2000, but officials say
the talks have yet to move beyond confidence building.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 2 August, 2002, 13:28 GMT
14:28 UK
UN envoy seeks Burma dialogue
The United Nations special envoy to
Burma, Razali Ismail, has arrived in Rangoon at the start of a visit aimed at
promoting dialogue between the military authorities and the opposition.
Mr Razali was met at the airport by the deputy foreign minister,
Khin Maung Win, and UN officials.
During his five-day visit he is to meet members of the government,
the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and diplomats.
Mr Razali helped secure Aung San Suu Kyi's release from house
arrest in May. Correspondents say the euphoria among the Burmese opposition
over her freedom has given way to questions about when the authorities will
open talks with her.
Hopes of progress
"The secretary-general hopes that Mr Razali's mission, the
first since political freedom was restored to Aung San Suu Kyi in May, will
provide the process with added momentum so that the two sides can start their
substantive dialogue in the near future," a UN statement said.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been afforded full political freedom since
her release, with two trips outside the capital unhindered by the military.
But she has had no talks with the ruling generals.
The talks that she began with the junta in October 2000 never
moved beyond the 'confidence-building stage'.
Mr Razali is scheduled to meet three ministers on Friday
afternoon.
He is due to hold talks with the SPDC's powerful first secretary,
Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, and then with Aung San Suu Kyi, on Saturday
morning.
During his five-day visit, Mr Razali is also due to meet with
international non-governmental organisations and ethnic minority groups.
His arrival on Friday coincided with the release by democracy
activists in the US of photographs which are purported to show the bodies of 12
villagers from Karen state allegedly massacred by the military.
His trip also coincides with a visit by Japanese Foreign Minister
Yoriko Kawaguchi, who arrives on Saturday. She is the highest ranking official
from Burma's biggest aid donor to visit since 1983.
Sanctions remain
Mr Razali said after Aung San Suu Kyi's release that the US-led
economic sanctions on Burma were likely to remain until it was clear that the
junta was co-operating with the democracy leader, whose party won national
elections in 1989 but was never allowed to assume power.
He also said that reconciliation should include the release of
political prisoners.
At least 297 members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for
Democracy and 41 other political prisoners have been released since the start
of the reconciliation talks.
According to official figures, another 261 members of the
opposition party remain in prison. It is not known how many non-NLD political
prisoners are detained.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 5 August, 2002, 12:29 GMT
13:29 UK
Japan urges progress in
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoriko
Kawaguchi has encouraged Burmese leaders to break down more barriers with the
country's opposition.
She told both the ruling military chiefs and pro-democracy
activist Aung San Suu Kyi to talk to each other, adding that Tokyo - Burma's
largest aid donor and creditor - would be willing to provide assistance to help
modernisation.
Ms Kawaguchi held an hour of talks with Aung San Suu Kyi after a
similar period of discussions with General Than Shwe in the first visit to
Burma, also known as Myanmar, by a Japanese foreign minister since 1983.
Burma's capital Rangoon is also hosting a United Nations
delegation and visits by senior Thai and Malaysian diplomats are in the offing.
BBC Burma analyst Larry Jagan says Japan is keen to emphasise its
different, less confrontational approach to Burma compared with the US and
Europe.
He says Ms Kawaguchi's visit was intended to underline the special
relationship Japan believes it has with Burma and the way it thinks it can work
with both the generals and the pro-democracy sector.
Both Japan and the UN envoy Razali Ismail believe that economic
and political reform must go hand in hand, but our correspondent says critics
claim Japan's view are more a reflection of the country's economic and business
interests in Burma than support for democratic change.
Aid pledged
Ms Kawaguchi renewed offers of future assistance, despite reports
of international disquiet at the way Tokyo has promised help before reforms are
evident.
A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Ms Kawaguchi told
General Than Shwe and other members of the ruling State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) that aid could be provided for democratisation and
nation-building.
"She encouraged the SPDC to promote political dialogue
further," the official said.
"Also, she emphasised the importance of attracting foreign
capital through economic reforms... and she encouraged the SPDC to move ahead
further with its reconciliation with minorities."
Though Aung San Suu Kyi was released from 19 months of house
arrest in May, there is yet to be substantial discussion between her opposition
National League for Democracy party and the military junta.
UN envoy Razali Ismail is also in Rangoon pushing for a furthering
of the reconciliation dialogue he is credited as having brokered in the first
place.
He and Ms Kawaguchi are among a number of international officials
with whom Aung San Suu Kyi is engaging.
She was reported on Monday to be seeking a meeting with Malaysian
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who will visit Burma later this month.
Thailand's Foreign Affairs
Minister Surakiart Sathirathai is also planning a trip to Burma to discuss
border tension.
Wednesday, 7 August, 2002, 08:03 GMT 09:03 UK
Suu Kyi predicts talks 'within weeks'
The Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, has said she hopes talks with the country's military rulers will
begin within weeks.
Speaking to the BBC, Aung San Suu Kyi said she was ready to
discuss anything and would rule nothing out, including a temporary
power-sharing agreement with the generals.
"I keep my mind quite open. I don't have anything fixed in my
own mind as to whether I would share or not share. We are not going to go into
this dialogue with pre-conceived ideas."
Aung San Suu Kyi was released from 19 months of house arrest in
May.
Her statement came after the UN envoy, Razali Ismail, said he was
confident he had narrowed the differences between the military and opposition.
Aung San Suu Kyi's party won national elections in 1989, but she
was never allowed to assume power after the junta brutally suppressed the
pro-democracy protests.
Reconciliation talks
Aung San Suu Kyi now enjoys full political freedom, but there is
yet to be substantial discussion between her opposition National League for
Democracy party and the military.
Despite Mr Razali's efforts at pushing for a furthering of the
reconciliation dialogue, Aung San Suu Kyi said the differences remained.
"Basically it's to do with the speed at which the democratic
process is going.
"We have been very worried about the delays with regard to
the release of political prisoners, and the delays with regard to the
initiation of dialogue."
She also said any dialogue would eventually have to include
representatives of Burma's minority tribes, some of whom have been waging an
armed rebellion against the government.
'Not a visionary'
Aung San Suu Kyi said she had no ill feelings towards the military
for her long imprisonment and the ban to see her family.
"I don't have any feelings of bitterness. I don't know what
that means. I don't see why I should harbour feelings of bitterness."
She said she and her colleagues were not looking back, and that
their belief kept them going.
But she said she wanted aggression and suffering in Burma to end.
"I am not a visionary, but what I would really like for the
country is a little less aggro all around. I want my people to be able to
progress in relative peace and security."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 8 August, 2002, 07:01 GMT
08:01 UK
Burma 'must free political prisoners'
Burmese opposition groups have called
on the ruling military junta to begin political dialogue and release all
political prisoners.
The call came as the opposition marked the 14th anniversary of the
start of the pro-democracy movement on 8 August 1988. The army eventually
crushed the movement, killing hundreds.
On Wednesday, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi issued a new plea
for international pressure on Burma's military rulers to release more than
1,000 dissidents still held in jail.
Aung San Suu Kyi was herself freed from 19 months of house arrest
in May and is now using the detention of political prisoners as a measure for
Burma's progress.
The Nobel peace laureate issued a video statement insisting that
the military rulers of Burma release all dissidents quickly or the country
would fail to bring about democracy.
In a separate interview, Aung San Suu Kyi told the BBC she hoped
to begin talks with members of the ruling junta "within weeks" and
the UN Burma envoy said hostility between the two sides was being reduced.
In the video, made in Burma's capital Rangoon on an unspecified
date, Aung San Suu Kyi said: "The release of political prisoners is the
most important thing for all those who truly wish to bring about change in
Burma."
The message, released by the Alt-Asean human rights group,
continued: "We would like to call upon everybody who cares for the future
of Burma to support the request, the demand for the release of all political
prisoners, speedily and unconditionally.
"Unless political organisations are free to go about their
work unhindered and unintimidated by the authorities, we can never say that we
have started the process toward democracy."
Piecemeal releases
Aung San Suu Kyi said many detainees had been locked up because of
their political affiliations, but had been charged with non-political crimes.
The military began piecemeal prisoner releases from October 2000
after it entered into closed-door reconciliation talks with the opposition.
Around 300 dissidents have been released, but 1,000 are still
imprisoned and initial gestures of goodwill have yet to become substantive
talks between the two sides.
Aung San Suu Kyi told the BBC she was concerned about the slow
progress but was ready to talk and would rule nothing out, including a
temporary power-sharing agreement with the generals.
"I keep my mind quite open. I don't have anything fixed in my
own mind as to whether I would share or not share. We are not going to go into
this dialogue with pre-conceived ideas."
Her statement came after the UN envoy, Razali Ismail, said he was
confident he had narrowed the differences between the military and opposition.
He said Aung San Suu Kyi might soon be allowed to travel to
neighbouring countries and be permitted to return to Burma, an option long
denied her.
Aung San Suu Kyi's party won national elections in 1989, but she
was never allowed to assume power after the junta brutally suppressed the
pro-democracy protests.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 9 August, 2002, 10:39 GMT
11:39 UK
Burma frees 14 political prisoners
Burma's military junta has freed 14
political prisoners just days after opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi called
for the release of all dissidents as a precondition for national
reconciliation.
Around 1,000 prisoners of conscience are estimated to remain
behind bars in Burma. But hopes are rising that the two sides are moving closer
to holding substantive talks.
The UN envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, said earlier this week that
he believed Aung San Suu Kyi and the ruling generals could progress to
discussing political issues from their previous, confidence-building talks.
Aung San Suu Kyi said she was willing to talk to the military
rulers of Burma - also known as Myanmar. But she has also demanded freedom for
all dissidents in the country.
She was released from her latest period of house arrest in May and
the government said six of the 14 released prisoners were members of her
National League for Democracy.
It is estimated that 250 members of the NLD remain behind bars but
the military junta said many of them could soon be free.
"The government of Myanmar will continue to release more
individuals who will cause no harm to the community nor threaten the existing
peace, stability and the unity of the nation," it said in a statement.
Signs of progress
The BBC's Burma analyst, Larry Jagan, says prisoner releases are
the only evidence that the generals and opposition are making any progress in
their secret dialogue.
He says more than 400 dissidents had been freed since the talks
began nearly two years ago, adding that the latest releases were a clear
response to demands that the military leadership show it is sincere in it
commitment to democratic reform.
The remaining NLD activists should be freed in the next few months
as part of the 500 or so political prisoners that the junta has told the UN
envoy it would release, our correspondent says.
Analysts said the main factor pushing the Burmese government to
talk to the opposition is its desire to see international sanctions eased and
the return of aid and investment.
But there may be some delay while overseas nations wait to see if
the reforms are genuine.
The party of Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide
election victory in 1990 but the military has not let them take power.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 12 August, 2002, 09:03 GMT
10:03 UK
New worries over Burmese army
Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi says she is very concerned about recent reports that Burmese soldiers
raped more than 600 ethnic Shan women and girls.
In an interview with a Thai newspaper, the English-language
Nation, Aung San Suu Kyi said it was terrible that any Burmese people should
feel targeted as an ethnic group.
The United States has already expressed concern over the rape
allegations made by two Shan human rights groups.
Burma's military government has rejected the allegations that its
troops used rape as a weapon of war against the Shan minority in the
north-eastern border region with Thailand.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Servi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 18 August, 2002, 04:50 GMT
05:50 UK
Malaysia PM to urge Burmese dialogue
By Phil Mercer
BBC correspondent in
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is beginning a two-day
visit to Burma on Sunday.
Officials in Kuala Lumpur say Doctor Mahathir is likely to meet
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, during his trip.
While most Western governments have attempted to isolate Burma's
military dictatorship, Malaysia has been at the forefront of international
efforts to urge its generals to adopt more democratic principles.
Observers believe the prime minister's visit will be significant,
because he is expected to privately urge Burma's generals to engage in dialogue
with the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy.
Asean link
The Malaysian prime minister has been a key supporter of Burma's
military government.
Doctor Mahathir is an influential figure in Rangoon.
He was instrumental in helping Burma join Asean, the region's
powerful political and trade bloc.
Most Western countries have not been so supportive.
The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions to
punish the dictatorship.
Compromise call
NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest in
May, has told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz she is ready to compromise with the
country's military rulers.
"Dialogue always entails compromise," Haaretz quoted her
as saying.
There are no firm plans for her to see Doctor Mahathir, although
officials have said a meeting was likely.
Progress towards political reforms in the former British colony
has been painfully slow.
Both sides are still extremely wary of each other and are engaging
in confidence-building before any formal discussions can take place.
Burma's generals have insisted they are committed to democracy,
but have said moving too fast could cause the multi-ethnic country to fall
apart.
The army has held power for 40 years. Hundreds of political
prisoners have been released by the military authorities in recent months,
including six on Friday.
These are seen as more positive signs that talks on reconciliation
could take place sooner rather than later.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 19 August, 2002, 07:51 GMT
08:51 UK
Burma warns against 'hasty' change
There has been frustration at the slow
pace of progress
A senior leader in Burma's military
junta has insisted it will not be hurried in moving towards more open
government.
The junta has been pressed by the US and Europe to speed up a
reconciliation process underway with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
But Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt told visiting Malaysian Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad that Burma would move towards "democracy"
at its own speed.
"Such a transition cannot be done in haste and in a haphazard
manner. The world is full of examples where a hasty transition from one system
to another led to unrest, instability and even failed states," he told a
conference attended by Dr Mahathir.
Dr Mahathir, visiting Burma mainly to promote Malaysian business
interests, tacitly backed the junta's position.
"We are aware that the process of change must be
gradual," he said.
The military government freed Aung San Suu Kyi from almost 20
months of house arrest in May, but has since seemed wary about beginning talks
on substantive change.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won Burma's
last election in 1990, but was never allowed to take power.
During his two-day visit, Dr Mahathir also met military leader
General Than Shwe.
He was not expected to meet Aung San Suu Kyi. Some reports said
the military blocked the meeting.
Dr Mahathir, who is being accompanied by a 300-strong delegation
of Malaysian business leaders and officials, is widely seen as a strong
supporter of engaging the diplomatically-isolated Rangoon government.
He was instrumental in helping Burma join the Association of South
East Asian Nations (Asean), a regional trade grouping.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 8 September, 2002, 04:44 GMT
05:44 UK
EU to demand full Burma talks
By Larry Jagan
BBC correspondent in
A European Union delegation has arrived in the Burmese capital
Rangoon for three days of talks with the government and the opposition.
The delegates are scheduled to meet government ministers,
including the military intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, the
opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and representatives of the ethnic
minorities.
Since the EU troika last visited Burma earlier this year, the
military authorities have released the opposition leader from house arrest, and
earlier this week they said eight political prisoners and 39 women were freed.
This EU mission will be trying to assess what progress has been
made in the dialogue process since her release.
The mission includes senior diplomats from Denmark, which holds
the current EU presidency, Greece, next in line to take over the presidency,
and the European Commission.
Calls for talks
EU officials are not optimistic that this latest mission to
Rangoon will produce any serious concessions from the military junta.
But it will give the senior European diplomats an opportunity to
assess what progress has been made in Burma, also known as Myanmar, since the
opposition leader's release four months ago.
The EU team will be urging the generals to release all the
country's political prisoners as soon as possible, and to start substantive
political talks with the opposition leader.
The delegation's meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi will be very
important in the EU's decision on whether they need to relax their isolation of
Rangoon in the near future.
The last EU mission - in March - met only lower-level government
ministers and officials.
'Actions, not promises'
This time, according to EU officials, the delegation is scheduled
to meet the country's third most powerful general, Lieutenant General Khin
Nyunt.
Last time he said he was too busy to meet the members of the
troika.
The fact that such a high-level meeting has been arranged is
significant, and shows how important the junta is taking this visit.
But the military authorities will have to prove their commitment
to political change with concrete actions, not just promises, a senior EU
official told the BBC.
The very minimum, he said, would be a meeting between Aung San Suu
Kyi and a senior general to discuss a tentative agenda for political talks.
Only then would the EU seriously consider changing its common
position on Burma.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 9 September, 2002, 09:57 GMT
10:57 UK
EU gauges Burma's progress
The first European Union delegation to
Burma since opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released in May has been
holding talks in the capital Rangoon.
In the course of the three day visit the delegates are scheduled
to meet government ministers, including the military intelligence chief,
Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt and Aung San Suu Kyi.
On Sunday they met with ethnic minority leaders who called for the
release of political prisoners and the setting up of a national parliament, a
local politician reported.
The visit by the four-member EU team is aimed at promoting
political reconciliation within Burma. The junta has not held substantive talks
with Aung San Suu Kyi since her release.
Calls for parliament
The mission includes senior diplomats from Denmark, which holds
the current EU presidency, Greece, next in line to take over the presidency,
and the European Commission.
In two separate meetings on Sunday the delegates met
representatives from eight ethnic groups, said Dr Saw Mra Aung, chairman of the
Arakan League for Democracy, an unregistered political party.
Members of the Shan, Rakine and Mon ethnic groups told the
delegates that they supported political reconciliation, the release of
political prisoners and the revival of banned political parties.
They are also striving for the convening of a national parliament
based on the results of the disputed election in 1990.
The BBC's Burma analyst, Larry Jagan, said that the EU officials
are not optimistic that this latest mission to Rangoon will produce any serious
concessions from the military junta.
But it will give the senior European diplomats an opportunity to
assess what progress has been made in Burma, since Aung San Suu Kyi was
released.
The EU team will be urging the generals to release all the
country's political prisoners as soon as possible, and to start substantive
political talks with the opposition leader.
The EU maintains stringent restrictions on Burma and
correspondents say the meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi will be instrumental in
deciding whether they need to relax their isolation of Rangoon in the near
future.
But the military authorities will have to prove their commitment
to political change with concrete actions, not just promises, a senior EU
official told the BBC.
The very minimum, he said, would be a meeting between Aung San Suu
Kyi and a senior general to discuss a tentative agenda for political talks.
Only then would the EU seriously consider changing its common
position on Burma.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 10 September, 2002, 11:57 GMT
12:57 UK
EU delegates meet Burma's Suu Kyi
A delegation from the European Union
has met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on the final day of a mission aimed
at promoting political reconciliation within Burma.
It is the first EU visit since Aung San Suu Kyi was released from
house arrest in May, and it provides the senior European diplomats with an
opportunity to assess what political progress, if any, has been made.
No details of the talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, held at her party
headquarters in Rangoon, are available.
The EU team, which arrived in the Burmese capital on Sunday, is
expected to meet the ruling junta's third-ranking leader, Lieutenant-General
Khin Nyunt, later on Tuesday.
It hopes to speed up the dialogue between the opposition National
League for Democracy (NLD) and the military regime and to press for prisoner
releases.
The junta has not held substantive talks with Aung San Suu Kyi
since her release.
Reviewing restrictions
The BBC's Burma analyst, Larry Jagan, says the fact that the EU
group will meet the powerful Khin Nyunt shows how seriously the junta is taking
this visit.
Last time the EU delegates were in Burma, the military leader said
he was too busy to meet them.
They have already met Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win,
international non-governmental organisations and representatives of ethnic
minority parties in Burma.
But our correspondent says that the EU officials are not
optimistic that this latest mission will produce any serious concessions from
the junta.
A senior EU official told the BBC that the minimum movement required
for the Union to ease its stringent restrictions on Burma would be a meeting
between Aung San Suu Kyi and a senior general to discuss a tentative agenda for
political talks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 11 September, 2002, 11:31
GMT 12:31 UK
EU urges progress in
The European Union has urged Burma to
speed up political progress, saying the EU will respond positively to any
development.
The statement followed a three-day visit by an EU delegation to
Rangoon, which ended on Tuesday.
The mission was designed to encourage political dialogue between
the ruling junta and the opposition, and to push for the release of political
prisoners
The delegation met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but failed
to meet any of the military leaders. Their scheduled meeting with the regime's
number three, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, was cancelled.
Sanctions
"The EU stands ready to respond positively and
proportionately to substantive improvements in the political climate of the
country," the bloc's statement said.
The junta has not held substantive talks with Aung San Suu Kyi
since she was released from house arrest in May.
The EU maintains stringent restrictions on Burma as a result of
the political impasse.
It gives humanitarian assistance to the impoverished country but
imposes a number of sanctions, including a ban on all other bilateral aid, an
arms embargo, and a visa ban on senior Burmese officials.
Aung San Suu Kyi told the visiting diplomats that she was
"neutral" on the economic sanctions. Her party spokesman, U Lwin,
said the Nobel Laureate believed it was up to outside administrations to
formulate their own policy.
In the past Aung San Suu Kyi was viewed as a key supporter of the
sanctions.
When asked if the delegation had made any significant progress,
the spokesman said: "The EU has only been meeting with salesmen and not
with the manager."
"So far, the meetings have been with low-level people. How
can you consider this to be significant?"
The diplomats met Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win,
international non-governmental organisations and representatives of ethnic
minority parties in Burma.
Burmese officials said the meeting with Khin Nyunt was called off
because he was out of town and his return was delayed by heavy rain.
Last time the EU visited Rangoon, the general said he was too busy
to meet them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 25 September, 2002, 12:44
GMT 13:44 UK
Thai-Burmese border set to reopen
Burma's Foreign Minister Win Aung has
said his country's border with Thailand - shut since a diplomatic row in May -
will be reopened.
Win Aung made the announcement following what he described as
"friendly and fruitful" talks with his Thai opposite number,
Surakiart Sathirathai, and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Win Aung gave no date for the re-opening, but said that trade
would resume along the border "in a few weeks".
Burma closed its border with Thailand on 22 May after the Thai
army fired shells into Burma during a battle between the Burmese army and
ethnic Shan rebels.
Thailand said its forces opened fire only when the fighting
spilled over the border, but Burma accused them of trying to aid the rebels.
Common ground
Win Aung said that Burma did not want conflict with Thailand
"because we live in the same region, share the same culture".
Mr Surakiart said a Thai foreign ministry delegation would visit
the Burmese capital, Yangon, next week to work on the details of the border
agreement.
He said the talks with Win Aung had also focused on co-operating
in the fight against illegal drugs and the repatriation of 500,000 Burmese
illegally working in Thailand.
The Thai foreign minister added that his counterpart had reassured
Prime Minister Thaksin that dialogue with Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi was progressing.
Earlier, Win Aung told reporters: "There are people who are
meeting with her. I am not the one who is meeting her but they are our
people."
Damaging row
The diplomatic row between Burma and Thailand sparked a flurry of
protests and crippled bilateral trade.
Burmese newspapers carried a number of articles in the wake of the
border clash which were seen as critical of the Thai monarchy.
In an effort to repair that damage, Win Aung had a royal audience
with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who has been invited to pay an official
visit to Burma this year.
Last month, in another bridge-building
exercise, Mr Surakiart travelled to Rangoon to try to ease the tension.
Afterwards he said relations between the two sides had "normalised".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 3 October, 2002, 10:43 GMT
11:43 UK
Australia presses Burma on reform
Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander
Downer has ended his visit to Burma after talks with the ruling military junta.
He left the capital Rangoon after a one-day visit - the first by
an Australian minister for nearly 20 years.
Mr Downer met top members of the government and pro-democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest in May.
But speaking in Bangkok, Mr Downer gave a downbeat summary of his
meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi.
"She is not very confident that a great deal of progress is
going to be made," he said.
The visit was part of a continuing effort by governments and the
United Nations to engage the military government in dialogue.
Before her release from house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi had been in
secretive talks with the government but there has been little apparent progress
since then. Many diplomats remain sceptical about the junta's commitment to
change.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won 1990
elections by a landslide but the military refused to give up power.
Economic warning
Before his visit, Mr Downer told the BBC he would warn the
military of the economic "consequences" of failing to make changes.
The country is suffering an economic crisis compounded by years of sanctions
over its refusal to reform.
Burma "needs to understand" that it will only get poorer
without outside help, Mr Downer told The World Today radio programme.
Mr Downer said he was also going to Burma to provide support for
Aung San Suu Kyi.
"If they had refused to allow me to see her then I wouldn't
have been prepared to make the visit," Mr Downer said.
Australia has criticised Burma over human rights issues but has
kept diplomatic channels open.
On Thursday Mr Downer was due to meet members of the Thai
Government during a brief stop-over in Bangkok.
Mr Downer is then scheduled to travel to Indonesia and Malaysia.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 22 October, 2002, 13:37 GMT
14:37 UK
UN envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi
The United Nations human rights envoy
to Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, has met the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu
Kyi, for the first time since her release from house arrest in May.
Mr Pinheiro said the talks were focused on the prospects for
dialogue between Aung San Suu Kyi and the ruling military junta, but he did not
comment on progress.
Correspondents say hopes for political reform in Burma were raised
by Aung San Suu Kyi's release from house arrest, but have subsequently receded.
After a visit to Rangoon earlier this month, Australian Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer said Aung San Suu Kyi was "not very confident" about
the junta's promises to work towards democracy.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD)
overwhelmingly won 1990 elections but the military government refused to hand
over power.
Critical reports
Mr Pinheiro, who is in Burma until next Monday, has already met
the junta's intelligence chief, Khin Nyunt, and visited political prisoners in
Rangoon.
The junta invited Mr Pinheiro to try to ward off recent
allegations of human rights abuses, including systematic rape by the army.
Two organisations representing the Shan community said in a report
earlier this year that Burmese troops had raped more than 600 Shan girls and
women since 1996.
Diplomats say Burma is desperate to attract foreign investment,
but the US and several European countries show no sign of lifting political and
economic sanctions against the isolated state.
French oil giant under fire
With Burma's human rights record under scrutiny, French oil giant
TotalFinaElf has denied allegations it has profited from forced labour in
Burma.
The company was singled out in a report published by the
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).
The organisation alleged forced labourers were used to build roads
and infrastructure in connection with a gas pipeline operated by TotalFinaElf
in the south of Burma.
The company has described the accusation as pure lies, insisting
it has always respected employees' rights.
But ICFTU, who says the Burmese army increasingly forces civilians
to work, has called on the European Union to ban European investments in Burma
at a meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday.
A team from the International Labour Organisation, which has
condemned Burma for failing to end forced labour, has arrived in the country
this week.
The junta said in a statement that the International Labour
Organisation mission would "assist and further develop Myanmar's labour
practices".
The military on Tuesday said it "welcomed" the visit.
"We welcome this mission and pledge to assist and cooperate
fully with the efforts of the ILO," said government spokesman Colonel Hla
Min.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 28 October, 2002, 08:57 GMT
UN envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi
The United Nations human rights envoy
to Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, has wrapped up an 11-day mission to the
military-ruled country by holding talks with the pro-democracy leader, Aung San
Suu Kyi.
It was Mr Pinheiro's second meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi during
his visit, which had included meetings with political prisoners, judicial
officials, state security chiefs, diplomats and ethnic parties.
Mr Pinheiro spent more than an hour with the Nobel peace laureate
and other leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) at the party's
Rangoon headquarters, witnesses said.
The NLD overwhelmingly won 1990 elections but the military
government refused to hand over power.
Hopes for political reform in Burma were raised when Aung San Suu
Kyi's was released from house arrest in May, but there has been little visible
progress since then.
After a visit to Rangoon earlier this month, Australian Foreign
Minister Alexander Downer said Aung San Suu Kyi was "not very
confident" about the junta's promises to work towards democracy.
Human rights
The junta invited Mr Pinheiro to try to ward off recent
allegations of human rights abuses, including systematic rape by members of the
army.
Two organisations representing the Shan community said in a report
earlier this year that Burmese troops had raped more than 600 Shan girls and
women since 1996.
Mr Pinheiro spent three days in Karen and Mon states as part of
his investigation, but turned down a government offer to visit Shan state
saying there was not enough time to make a full evaluation.
Aung San Suu Kyi and Mr Pinheiro were expected to discuss the
issue of political prisoners. Human rights groups say more than 1,000 political
prisoners are still being held, and the opposition leader has been demanding
their release.
On Sunday, Mr Pinheiro met several political prisoners at the
Tharawaddy prison, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of the capital. He
also met prisoners in Rangoon's main Insein prison last week.
The envoy was due to leave Burma late on Monday. He is expected to
present his report to the UN general assembly next month.
Diplomats say Burma is desperate to attract foreign investment, but the US and several European countries show no sign of lifting political and economic sanctions against the isolated state.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 12 November, 2002, 10:30 GMT
UN envoy in fresh Burma bid
The United Nations envoy to Burma has
begun a fresh visit to Rangoon reportedly frustrated by the country's lack of
democratic reform.
Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail helped broker landmark talks in
October 2000 between the military junta and the opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi.
But the talks have made little progress since May when Aung San
Suu Kyi was released from 19 months of house arrest.
Mr Razali will be meeting both sides during his five-day visit,
including the junta's top leader General Than Shwe.
Western pressure
Mr Razali is thought to be deeply disappointed that the junta has
released just a handful of the more than 1,000 political prisoners believed to
be in Burma's jails.
He hinted at his frustration with the lack of progress in an
interview with Reuters news agency before his departure.
"I do not want to be the special envoy that wanders around
for 15 years doing things with no light at the end of the tunnel," he
said.
The United States and European Union have issued separate
statements urging the Burmese junta to move towards reform.
"Given such a positive step earlier this year, we expected
that dialogue between the regime in Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi would be
underway by now," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan also expressed his
concern that the momentum generated by the opposition leader's release
"could dissipate, unless some tangible progress is made in the near
future".
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy overwhelmingly
won 1990 elections but the military government refused to hand over power.
The Burmese Government is under pressure to reform as the economy
is in crisis and it badly needs foreign aid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 28 November, 2002, 05:46 GMT
Suu Kyi visits Shan women
The Burmese opposition leader, Aung
San Suu Kyi, has completed her longest political tour outside the capital,
Rangoon, since the country's military rulers first placed her under house
arrest 13 years ago.
She is back in Rangoon after a 15-day trip to the
ethnically-troubled Shan state in the north-east of the country.
The visit was the most sensitive of the four she has made to
different parts of Burma since her last period of detention ended in May,
because of claims of serious abuses there by the Burmese army.
Human rights group allege that Shan women and girls have been
systematically raped, and children forcibly conscripted.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Servic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 5 December, 2002, 09:06 GMT
Obituary: Ne Win
The former Burmese dictator Ne Win,
who has died aged 91, was a ruthless and corrupt figure whose 26 year-rule
helped cause the country's economic decline.
During this time, his brutal regime curtailed human and political
rights and was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people.
Most notably, Ne Win's hand-picked successors placed Aung San Suu
Kyi, the dissident politician and daughter of a former colleague, under house
arrest following pro-democracy protests in 1988.
Ne Win was born Shu Maung - "apple of one's eye" - in
Paungdale, central Burma, on 24 May 1911.
The son of a minor civil servant, Shu Maung left university in
Rangoon after failing a biology exam in 1931.
Disillusioned with British colonial rule, he joined the Dobama
Asiayone (Our Burma Association), where he became involved with the country's
two most eminent nationalist leaders, Aung San (father of Aung San Suu Kyi) and
U Nu.
In 1941, together with other members of the group, now known as
the Thirty Companions, Shu Maung was smuggled out of Burma to be trained by the
Japanese, who themselves had designs on south-east Asia.
On 26 December 1941, the Burma Independence Army (BIA) was formed
and, in celebration, Shu Maung became Ne Win, or "brilliant as the
sun".
Invaded
But after Japan invaded Burma, Ne Win and others became convinced
that Japan wanted to colonise rather than liberate the country.
By now Chief of the Army, Ne Win, together with his colleagues,
bridled at their involvement in a puppet government and secretly plotted
against the Japanese.
When the British returned in December 1944, a greatly expanded
Burmese Army, under Ne Win, dispersed into the Irrawaddy Delta before fighting
a bitter guerrilla war against the Japanese which culminated in British
authority being restored the following August.
Burma finally achieved independence, outside the British
Commonwealth, on 4 January 1948, but the dream of nationhood soon soured.
Independence unleashed political and ethnic tensions and brought
with it a prolonged guerrilla war.
Coup
The assassination of prominent figures, including Aung San the
previous year, sullied the political climate.
Now a General and Defence Minister, Ne Win, together with Prime
Minister U Nu, ruled Burma for a decade until U Nu's government collapsed in
1958 and Ne Win took over as caretaker Prime Minister.
Following elections, a second U Nu government came to grief on 1
March 1962 when Ne Win staged a successful coup and arrested the former Prime
Minister.
Justifying his action as giving Burma a government appropriate to
its needs, he issued a 28-point manifesto titled "The Burmese Way to
Socialism".
This promised to remove the "pernicious" economic system
through "political and economic mysticism".
The truth was anything but mystical. Burma became a one-party
state, foreign businesses were forced to leave and their assets were
nationalised.
A devotee of Marx and Stalin, Ne Win brutally crushed all
opposition and clashes between students and the military were common, usually
with fatal consequences for the demonstrators.
Bathed in dolphins' blood
Ne Win was a distant, reclusive figure, addicted to the more
vulgar variants of Buddhism. He was said to have bathed in dolphins' blood to
regain his youth and his dedication to numerology was legendary.
Addicted to the power of numbers, he instructed that the national
currency, the kyat, should be issued in denominations of 45 and 90 because they
were divisible by his lucky number, nine.
But it was his decision to resign on an auspicious day, 8 August
1988 (8.8.88) which was to have the most far-reaching consequences.
The student protests which accompanied Ne Win's retirement
provoked a bloodbath. Up to 10,000 demonstrators are believed to have been
killed, some with unspeakable cruelty.
The chief opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested and
put under house arrest, where she remained until 1995, before being detained
again between 2000-2002.
In recent years, Ne Win's influence has waned. Earlier this year,
members of Ne Win's family were arrested and accused of plotting to overthrow
the current military government.
Since then, Ne Win has been under virtual house arrest at his
lakeside villa with only his favourite daughter, Sandar Win, for company.
Ne Win's three grandsons and son-in-law were found guilty of
treason and sentenced to death.
Ne Win's legacy is a tragic one. Once a rich country, Myanmar (the
name changed in 1988) is now an isolated and poor place.
For most Burmese, Ne Win will be remembered as the man who took
the country from prosperity to poverty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 10 December, 2002, 08:39 GMT
Timeline:
A chronology of key events
1057 - King Anawrahta founds the first
unified Burmese state at Pagan and adopts Theravada Buddhism.
1287 - Mongols under Kublai Khan conquer
Pagan.
1531 - Toungoo dynasty, with Portuguese
help, reunites Burma.
1755 - Alaungpaya founds the Konbaung
dynasty with Rangoon as its capital.
1824-26 - First Anglo-Burmese war ends with
the Treaty of Yandabo, according to which Burma ceded the Arakan coastal strip,
between Chittagong and Cape Negrais, to British India.
1852 - Britain annexes lower Burma,
including Rangoon, following the second Anglo-Burmese war.
1885-86 - Britain captures Mandalay after a
brief battle; Burma becomes a province of British India.
1937 - Britain separates Burma from India
and makes it a crown colony.
Japanese occupation
1942 - Japan invades and occupies Burma
with some help from the Japanese-trained Burma Independence Army, which later
transforms itself into the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) and
resists Japanese rule.
1945 - Britain liberates Burma from
Japanese occupation with help from the AFPFL, led by Aung San.
1947 - Aung San and six members of his
interim government assassinated by political opponents led by U Saw, a
nationalist rival of Aung San's. U Nu, foreign minister in Ba Maw's government,
which ruled Burma during the Japanese occupation, asked to head the AFPFL and
the government.
Independence
1948 - Burma becomes independent with U Nu
as prime minister.
Mid-1950s - U Nu, together with Indian
Prime Minister Nehru, Indonesian President Sukarno, Yugoslav President Tito and
Egyptian President Nasser co-found the Movement of Non-Aligned States.
1958-60 - Caretaker government, led by army Chief
of Staff General Ne Win, formed following a split in the ruling AFPFL party.
1960 - U Nu's party faction wins decisive
victory in elections, but his promotion of Buddhism as the state religion and
his tolerance of separatism angers the military.
One-party, military-led state
1962 - U Nu's faction ousted in military
coup led by Gen Ne Win, who abolishes the federal system and inaugurates
"the Burmese Way to Socialism"- nationalising the economy, forming a
single-party state with the Socialist Programme Party as the sole political
party, and banning independent newspapers.
1974 - New constitution comes into effect,
transferring power from the armed forces to a People's Assembly headed by Ne
Win and other former military leaders; body of former United Nations
secretary-general U Thant returned to Burma for burial.
1975 - Opposition National Democratic
Front formed by regionally-based minority groups, who mounted guerrilla
insurgencies.
1981 - Ne Win relinquishes the presidency
to San Yu, a retired general, but continues as chairman of the ruling Socialist
Programme Party.
1982 - Law designating people of
non-indigenous background as "associate citizens" in effect bars such
people from public office.
Riots and repression
1987 - Currency devaluation wipes out many
people's savings and triggers anti-government riots.
1988 - Thousands of people are killed in
anti-government riots. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) is
formed.
1989 - Slorc declares martial law, arrests
thousands of people, including advocates of democracy and human rights, renames
Burma Myanmar, with the capital, Rangoon, becoming Yangon.
Thwarted elections
1990 - Opposition National League for
Democracy (NLD) wins landslide victory in general election, but the result is
ignored by the military; NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San,
is put under house arrest.
1991 - Aung San Suu Kyi awarded Nobel
Peace Prize for her commitment to peaceful change.
1992 - Than Shwe replaces Saw Maung as
Slorc chairman, prime minister and defence minister. Several political
prisoners freed in bid to improve Burma's international image.
1996 - Aung San Suu Kyi attends first NLD
congress since her release; Slorc arrests more than 200 delegates on their way
to party congress.
1997 - Burma admitted to Association of
South East Asian Nations (Asean); Slorc renamed State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC).
1998 - Three hundred NLD members released
from prison, but ruling council refuses to comply with NLD deadline for convening
of parliament, ignores pro-democracy roadside protests by Aung San Suu Kyi and
breaks up student demonstrations.
1999 - Aung San Suu Kyi rejects ruling
council conditions to visit her British husband, Michael Aris, who dies of
cancer in UK.
2000 September - Ruling council lifts
restrictions limiting the movements of Aung San Suu Kyi and senior members of
the NLD.
2000 October - Aung San Suu Kyi begins
secret talks with the ruling council.
2000 December - Amnesty International
reports that torture is increasing in Burma despite official military
statements that it is illegal.
2001 January - Ruling council releases 84
NLD activists. In the course of the year around 200 are released.
2001 February - Burmese army and Shan
rebels clash on Thai border; Burmese authorities agree to abandon the
construction of a controversial dam on the Naf river between the two countries.
2001 June - Government frees several
pro-democracy activists, saying the releases reflect progress in landmark talks
with opposition NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Several opposition party offices
are allowed to reopen.
2001 June - Thai Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra makes a two-day visit to Burma and hails it as a success, saying
relations between the two countries are now back on track. His aim is to patch
up disagreements over drugs and smouldering border tensions.
2001 August - Government frees senior NLD
leaders U Aung Shwe and U Tin Oo, but Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house
arrest.
2001 September - Intelligence chief Khin Nyunt,
No 3 in the ruling council, visits Thailand. Burma pledges to eliminate drugs
trade in the Golden Triangle by 2005. Thailand commits funds to finance crop
substitution programme. Khin Nyunt says Burma and Thailand are good neighbours
again.
2001 November - Official press hails
capture of a white elephant, traditionally seen as a portent of peace and
prosperity.
2001 November - Governing military council
sacks two top generals and orders five other ministers to retire.
2001 November - International Labour
Organisation sends mission to investigate government measures to end forced
labour. Mission reports some progress but expresses "profound
concern" that government measures have had limited impact.
2001 November - Chinese President Jiang
Zemin pays visit, the first by a Chinese head of state since the army took
power in 1988. Jiang issues statement supporting government but reportedly
urges more economic reform.
2001 December - Thailand shuts down camp
housing Burmese dissidents. Activists with links to the camp had been
associated with hostage incidents in 1999 and 2000.
2002 January - Burma announces plans for a
nuclear research facility, with Russia to supply the reactor and train the
staff.
2002 May - Pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi is released after nearly 20 months of house arrest. She says no
restrictions have been placed on her political activity or movement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 10 December, 2002, 12:33 GMT
Aung San Suu Kyi urges patience
Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu
Kyi has said she is confident political change is on its way.
But in an exclusive interview with the BBC, she warned that the
process could be slow and urged people to be patient.
Aung San Suu Kyi told the BBC World Service and News Online
programme Talking Point that discussions between her party and the ruling
military junta had made some progress since her release from house arrest in
May, but there was "some way to go".
She also stressed that it was still too early to encourage foreign
tourists to visit Burma.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner took calls from around the world and
replied to hundreds of questions sent in to BBC News Online.
She played down her own role in the fight for democracy in Burma,
and the price she had paid.
"I made a choice, I didn't make any sacrifices," she
said.
Asked about the prospects of political reform, she said she was
hopeful of progress by this time next year.
She noted that the struggle in South Africa "went on for
decades" and therefore "you can't say it is taking too long" in
Burma.
"We are confident change will come - not as quickly as most
of us would wish, but it will come," she said.
Trust for UN envoy
Talks between Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy and
the ruling junta have been mediated by UN envoy Razali Ismail.
Aung San Suu Kyi denied one caller's suggestion that Mr Razali, a
Malaysian, was a puppet of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Mr Razali was a "good friend of Burma", she said.
His slow progress - he has made several trips to Burma without
achieving significant success - was "in the nature of the process",
she added.
Relationship with generals
Aung San Suu Kyi also said she felt "no personal
animosity" towards the ruling generals, who deny her National League for
Democracy the landslide victory it achieved in 1990 national elections.
"I get along with them well enough. After all it was my father
who founded the Burmese army and I do have a sense of warmth towards the
Burmese army," she said.
She said that her father, the country's independence hero General
Aung San, was her greatest inspiration.
She said that she hoped to complete his work for the country.
Tourism
Aung San Suu Kyi urged foreign travellers keen to visit Burma to
be patient.
"We have not yet come to the point where we encourage people
to come to Burma as tourists," she said.
The democracy leader refused to speculate about when that might be
but said that she did not think it was impossible that political change could
take place "within months".
Aung San Suu Kyi said she had realised that one thing she could
ask all her people to do in the meantime was to refuse to support injustice
"simply because they are afraid".
"It could achieve a lot if everyone in Burma could stop
saying something is good if it is not good, or say something is just if it is
not just," she said.
The programme, which is part of a series of special programmes to
mark the 70th anniversary of BBC World Service, will go out in full on Sunday
15 December at 1400 GMT on World Service Radio.
A full video version and transcript will appear on BBC News Online
from midnight on Thursday at 0000 GMT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 12 December, 2002, 21:31 GMT
Aung San Suu Kyi talks to the world
By Lyse Doucet
BBC News
She is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a
symbol of her nation's hopes, a woman who has spent most of the past 15 years
under arrest in her house.
But for a little more than a hour this week, Aung San Suu Kyi was
a voice at the end of our telephone line to Rangoon - a voice so powerful, yet
so calm.
This was Talking Point with a difference: Aung San Suu Kyi seemed
to be dispensing advice to the world.
There was no mistaking her precise diction, that soft distinctive
lilt.
"I can only give you 20 to 30 minutes," she cautioned in
a most gracious way.
That would leave us with half a programme. We all worried whether
the telephone line would also fail.
Either the connection to Burma would go down or the military
authorities would make sure it did.
Advice
But, somehow, I believed that once Aung San Suu Kyi began to hear
from people around the world, she would not leave us.
And she did not. Maybe it was because many did not just call or
e-mail, as they do for our guests every week, to seek her opinion or to
challenge her.
They wanted her to tell them what to do.
Jeremy in London asked whether he should travel to Burma - Myanmar
as it is known - over the holiday period.
Neil Roberts e-mailed from Hanoi to ask if it was OK to apply for
a teaching job in Rangoon.
Almost everyone who called began by expressing admiration for her
and her long struggle for democracy in Burma.
Frustration
In our post-11 September world, when so much of our political
coverage uses words like militancy, violence and protest, Aung San Suu Kyi's
language was noticeably different.
She told Barbara, who e-mailed from Sri Lanka, that violence
sometimes seemed to win in the short run but in the long run it would only
destroy more than it created.
Political dialogue with the military government was the priority -
everything else had to wait including tourism and investment.
Even crackling telephone lines could not hide the sadness and
frustration from exiles far away.
"We hoped good news would be on the way," said Tin Htun
a Burmese national living in the United States. "But there is nothing,
only hope."
Aung San Suu Kyi offered nothing specific except glimpses of her
commitment and her calm certitude that change would come - in its own time.
Thanks
For many callers, there was clearly magic in just speaking to her.
Ahmad Nasir barely managed to express his excitement that he in the Maldives
could speak to Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon.
In the end, I realised this was Aung San Suu Kyi's present to us
for the 70th birthday of the BBC World Service.
She reminded us of what we have long tried to do - give people a
chance to speak and to speak to each other.
That day, all of us at talking point felt touched by the power of
that thought and that voice down our telephone line.
Before we said goodbye, I also thanked the Burmese generals who
may have been listening in.