Originally published Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Myanmar extends house arrest of democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi
Myanmar's military junta Tuesday extended the house arrest of Nobel Peace Prize-winning democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi for another...
YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar's military junta Tuesday extended the house arrest of Nobel Peace Prize-winning democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi for another year, drawing softer criticism than usual from foreign governments that are now focused on aiding survivors of Tropical Cyclone Nargis.
The news came as foreign-aid workers began reaching remote areas hardest hit by the May 3 cyclone, relief agencies said. But the numbers reaching the remote areas — apparently fewer than 20 — are still small, the permissions uneven and the procedures still uncertain.
The admissions represent a significant opening by the country's military rulers, which for three weeks have delayed delivery of supplies to more than a million people in the remote Irrawaddy Delta.
As many as 135,000 people are dead or missing, and the United Nations estimates that 1.5 million survivors have not yet received any aid.
Suu Kyi is the daughter of Myanmar's revered independence hero, Aung San, and leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, which won a 1990 election but has not been permitted to take power.
She has spent about 12 of the past 18 years under house arrest, including an unbroken stretch since May 2003.
Western governments have traditionally been vociferous in calling for Suu Kyi's freedom. But since Nargis, many of those governments and the United Nations have been preoccupied with the struggle to help survivors.
Among aid workers reaching the delta region were teams from U.N. World Food Program, UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders. The medical-aid group said its teams had reached remote delta areas where people had not eaten for three days.
Helicopters also began shuttling high-energy biscuits and ready-to-eat meals into the area Tuesday, Richard Horsey, a spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian effort, said in Bangkok, Thailand.
While opening its door to international donors, the military government has refused to let in United States, French and British warships loaded with supplies just outside its territorial waters.
However, it has allowed more than 60 U.S. Air Force flights to bring supplies to the Yangon airport.
Compiled from The New York Times, The Associated Press and The Washington Post
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 04:07 PM
DC sniper's Muhammad's execution set for tonight
UPDATE - 04:06 PM
DOD worker assessed Fort Hood suspect months ago
UPDATE - 03:43 PM
Obama salutes Fort Hood victims, promises justice
UPDATE - 04:06 PM
White House: Obama eyeing host of Afghan choices
UPDATE - 04:06 PM
North, South Korea clash at sea before Obama visit

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Lt. governor's son shot by co-worker in Kent; gunman then shot self
- DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Huskies are finding talent in Tacoma
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- King County OKs 'don't ask' law on immigration
274 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
264 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
210 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
195 - Obama pressed into role as national healer
147 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
131 - Time to bring Ken Griffey Jr. back in 2010
100 - DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
87 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
86 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
72
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Rainier Pacific Financial calls rescue 'unlikely'








