Wired News: Burma - Suu Kyi (7/15)

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Subject: Wired News:  Burma - Suu Kyi (7/15) (AP)

   By ROBERT HORN
 Associated Press Writer
   RANGOON, Burma (AP) -- Every day, crowds gather outside her ramshackle house on
University Avenue. Senior members of her party enter through the blue gates early in the
morning and stay until sunset.
   Even though the state-run press hasn't mentioned that Aung San Suu Kyi is finally free, the
news has spread by whispers through teashops and markets that the six-year ordeal of
Burma's leading dissident is over.
   But Mrs. Suu Kyi is in no hurry to confront her former captors -- Burma's military junta.
   There have been no demonstrations, and since she was freed Monday, Mrs. Suu Kyi has
repeatedly urged caution in dealing with the ruling generals who gunned down hundreds, if
not thousands, of her supporters in 1988.
   "We've got to be brave, but not foolhardy," she said.
   Burma's military rulers, taken by surprise when Mrs. Suu Kyi's supporters took to the streets
in 1988 and won elections in 1990, expressed fears that releasing her would incite mass
unrest.
   Now, analysts say, having jailed opposition leaders and destroyed their political
organizations, the authorities feel in control.
   It is far from clear what Mrs. Suu Kyi's release will mean for Burma.
   Will she rebuild her National League for Democracy, blocked by the military from taking
office in 1990? What about hundreds of other jailed dissidents?
   The United States and other countries welcomed the release of Mrs. Suu Kyi, recipient of
the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, but are demanding more reform and improvement of human
rights.
   Senior members of Mrs. Suu Kyi's party were released from jail this year.
   They visit her compound to discuss strategy and bring her up to date on what has
happened in Burma and the world during the six years that she was under house arrest.
   While she has pledged to resume political activities and remain true to democracy, Mrs.
Suu Kyi also said: "I would like my supporters not to expect too much too soon."
   Conditions have improved dramatically for Burma's military rulers, international outcasts
blamed for turning one of Asia's richest countries into an economic disaster.
   Foreign exchange reserves have reached a record $600 million. Foreign trade and
investment are growing despite trade sanctions. The military has signed cease-fires with all
but one of the 16 ethnic groups fighting decades-old jungle wars for greater autonomy.
   Six years ago, Mrs. Suu Kyi's popularity galvanized pro-democracy demonstrations
against repression and the poverty blamed on the military's rigid socialism.
   But while pro-democracy sentiments are still widespread, more mass protests appear
unlikely. Farmers are said to be getting good prices, and urban laborers are in demand.
   The improved economy is evident in the avenues and alleys of downtown Rangoon. Next
to the decaying red-brick buildings inherited from British colonial rule, the dingy teashops are
full. Business is brisk as vendors in dimly lit stalls sell everything from Indian sweets to
cheroots, the pungent cigars smoked by most Burmese, even women.
   Fear of the authorities is widespread.
   "I am not afraid," said a 22-year-old student waiting outside Mrs. Suu Kyi's house. But his
voice was almost a whisper and his eyes darted left and right as curious bystanders tried to
hear his words to a foreigner.
   Not far away, two men were taking pictures of anyone who spoke with a foreigner or
approached the gate.
   The manager of a hotel used by foreign businessmen said most of her guests are
Southeast Asians and Japanese, but she expected more Europeans and Americans
because of Mrs. Suu Kyi's release.
   The manager, who asked not to be named, said her staff are happy that Mrs. Suu Kyi is
free, "but it is something that is sensed, because no one will dare talk about it."
   Japan already has responded by saying it will offer limited financial aid.
   "Why the rush?" Mrs. Suu Kyi said Friday, when asked about renewed foreign aid. "I am
free. But nothing has changed for the common people of Burma."