Burma’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, now on a tour in the ethnic Shan State, was greeted Thursday by thousands of supporters who lined roadways in villages and towns she stopped by just to meet and catch a glimpse of her.
National League for Democracy spokesperson U Lwin told AFP: “She is going to open four NLD offices in the Shan State”. He also said UN envoy Razali Ismail, who met for half an hour with Senior General Than Shwe – the head of the military government – Thursday, will meet Aung San Suu Kyi in the Shan State capital, Taunggyi, on Friday.
Aung San Suu Kyi is scheduled to spend two days in Taunggyi before proceeding north to the town of Lashio.
The Nobel laureate has made several trips around the country since May when she was released from 19 months of house arrest. She moved freely, as promised by the authorities, and she experienced no hitches whatsoever. However, she was required to inform Rangoon of her travel plans in advance and the military government provided her a security detail – in its words –for her protection.
During this nine-day trip in the Shan State, which began Wednesday, November 13, Aung San Suu Kyi will focus on her party work and is not expected to look into human rights abuse claims there.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.