AFP-Myanmar opposition leader's hea

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Myanmar opposition leader's health in decline
Thu 20 Aug 98 - 11:37 GMT 

YANGON, Aug 20 (AFP) - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's health
is in decline as her food and water supplies dwindle on the ninth day of
her roadside confrontation with the country's junta, aides said Thursday.

Officials from the Nobel prizewinner's National League for Democracysaid
her health was deteriorating from a lack of proper nourishment even though
the junta claims to have supplied her with cakes and cookies.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent more than a week living in a minibus along with
two drivers and an NLD official near a small bridge outside Yangon after
security forces blocked her from visiting provincial party members.

"Despite their deteriorating health conditions, the morale and mental
strength of the stranded group remains as strong as ever," the NLD
executive committee said in a statement.

The report came after Aung San Suu Kyi was examined by her personal
physician with the approval of the military authorities.

The statement said the junta would be held "totally responsible" if the NLD
leader's health declined further.

Government officials have said Aung San Suu Kyi was blocked because of
security concerns and fears for her safety in the provinces, stressing she
is free to return to Yangon whenever she likes.

The ruling State Peace and Development Council has said it was doing
everything possible to ensure her comfort, including providing food, pop
music cassettes, a beach umbrella and outdoor furniture.

It is her fourth failed bid to visit provincial supporters in a little over
a month.

The NLD has issued an ultimatum to the junta to convene the parliament
elected in 1990 by Friday, but it has not specified the consequences.

The party won the election but the junta has refused to give up power and
placed severe restrictions on the activities of opposition party members.

Diplomats in Yangon expect Aung San Suu Kyi to return to the capital by
Friday at the latest to prepare for the expiry of the deadline, which the
junta is expected to ignore.