The leader of the Burmese National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, says recent mass resignations from her party have been forced by the military government.

Aung San Suu Kyi, in her first public apprearance for two months, told journalists and diplomats in Rangoon that support for the NLD -- which overwhelmingly won the last general election in 1990 -- remained strong.

She vowed to continue her campaign for a parliament to be convened of elected representatives.

At the weekend, a Burmese military spokesman said all those who had resigned from the NLD had done so voluntarily, having seen the error of their ways during extended visits to government guest houses.

Several hundred party members remain in detention.