Diplomats see Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma's military regime made a small concession to international pressure by permitting a diplomatic presence at the trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The proceedings, which for the first two days were held in secret inside Rangoon's notorious Insein prison, have drawn widespread international condemnation.

The 63 year old Nobel peace laureate was reported to be subdued but dignified during the hearing. "She appeared very strong," said Joselito Chad Jacinto, the Filipino charge d'affaires. "She sat listening intently and alertly to what was going on. She exuded a type of aura which can be described as moving, quite awe-inspiring."

Mrs Suu Kyi addressed the group of 30 foreign diplomats and a handful of Burmese journalists as she was led from court.

"Thank you very much for coming and for your support," she said "I hope to meet you in better days."

The Czech Presidency of the European Union, with Jan Kohout as Foreign Minister, says it's ready to "reinforce" European sanctions against Burma in order to press for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.


Even Myanmar's usually acquiescent neighbours have issued a rare rebuke to the generals Read more.................