Burma Lifts Curfew, Ban on Assembly

Suu Kyi must drop sanction support; UN not making progress

(NEWSER) - The junta ruling Myanmar—formerly Burma—today rejected a UN proposal for three-way talks that would have included detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Agence France-Presse reports. It is the latest disappointment to mar the visit of UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, in which he has been denied an audience with top general Than Shwe and admonished for UN "interference" in state affairs. More»

Warned junta against quelling protests, met Suu Kyi this morning

(NEWSER) - UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari left Burma today after meeting with a top general and a second meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, released from house arrest for the talks. Gambari, who was attempting to open dialog between the military junta and dissidents whose protests were brutally suppressed last week, had cooled his heels for four days before Gen. Than Shwe agreed to see him, the BBC reports. More»

Court quashes activist's bid to end house arrest

(AP) - The highest court in military-ruled Myanmar dismissed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's latest bid for freedom today, turning down an appeal to end 14 years of house arrest. The Supreme Court's decision comes as no surprise as legal rulings in Myanmar rarely favor opposition activists. Defense lawyer Nyan Win says he will launch one final "special appeal" before the court after determining why the earlier appeal was rejected. More»

State media slam 'dishonest' pro-democracy leader

(NEWSER) - Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was escorted from her home today for her first talks with junta officials in two months. Officials declined comment on the subject of the talks with the detained activist, the AP reports. A state-run newspaper yesterday accused Suu Kyi of "dishonesty" for saying she wanted to work with the military junta's leaders for the good of the country. More»

(NEWSER) - Burma’s imprisoned opposition leader may be OK with a “new approach” toward the country’s oppressive military regime, Sen. Jim Webb told reporters today. Webb met with Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday, during his visit to the country. “It was my clear impression from her that she is not opposed to lifting some sanctions,” said Webb, who is himself a proponent of lifting the restrictions, in part because China ignores them. More»