Detained Aung San Suu Kyi is "well and in good spirits" and showing no signs of injury, says the UN special envoy after visiting the pro-democracy leader.
The Nobel peace prize winner has not been seen since 30 May after she was taken into what military authorities described as "protective custody" following violence, which the military junta said left four people dead and 50 injured.
She was subsequently imprisoned in a military camp on the outskirts of Rangoon.
What can governments and people around the world do to influence events? Are reconciliation talks between the military and opposition doomed? Could the bloody crisis of 1988 could be repeated?
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
Your reaction:
We need a regime change in Burma. Peaceful means of bringing democracy to Burma don't work. Countries like USA and UK should invade Burma and change its regime.
Keith, NJ, USA
The US and Western countries won't do anything because there is no oil or other resources in Myanmar.
Zulfi, Singapore
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The world should do nothing as she knew the risks
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The world should do nothing. This woman is in this position because of a political stand she chose to take. She knew the risks. If the world is going to use it's might to solve problems, they should be saving starving children and protecting the world from international terrorists.
Jim, Kansas, USA
Don't rely on world leaders to get change in Burma. Every freedom loving person should join a activist group and start protesting against companies doing business with the generals. They should ask for a total import ban on Burma's goods. People should refuse to buy any goods from Burma because of human rights abuse in the country. Lets fight against these generals.People power will win.
M.Linn, Burma
The Burmese should never give up their struggle for democracy. One can learn from Indonesia, how a military government finally crumbled and was forced to follow democratic constitutional path. It is not always easy to establish civilian rule but the time will finally come for the Burmese.
Alpha Amirrachman,
Indonesia
The military junta has times and again betrayed the people's faith by putting their democratic leader Suu Kyi behind the bars. It is high time that UN plays an active role in securing her release to restore democracy in the militarily controlled nation.
Saqib Saleem.,
India
If only China, India, Japan the great ASEAN nations were more responsible in dealing with the brutal military regime. I feel more saddened to see our neighbours ignoring the long, oppressed and armless people of Burma.
Mi Mi Khine, Burma/Japan
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In history not many military juntas gave up their power peacefully.
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I feel very sorry for this brave woman leaving her family behind for her country's people. She has been fighting too long for democracy changes in Burma but so far without much success. International community can just talk and talk for decades and Burmese are still living under military junta and poverty in a such rich country. I am sorry to say but in history not many military juntas gave up their power peacefully.
Javhlan Byamba, Portugal
Burmese government is afraid of her and that is why they took her into custody. This is good sign, it means, I believe that Burma will have democracy one day
John Sterianos, South Africa (Living in London)
The Burmese should rise up against the SPDC, like the Eastern European countries that ousted their communist leaders.
Inga Vikse, NY
So much to save one woman who chose to be in the position she is in, while all the while thousands of innocent people are dying around the world. Does anyone see how ridiculous this is?
Sean, UK
Bush and Blair were able to sort out Saddam and they did it quite fast. The injustice in Burma has been going on for far too long. Can they organize and kick out the Generals the way they did to the Iraq dictator?
Kiiru Kimani, Kenya
I am saddened that a courageous leader is being held against her will for her beliefs. I hope she remains a strong individual and continues to fight for democracy.
KP,
US
Companies and corporations that invest in the regime in Burma should be named and shamed.
Howard, UK
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They need assurance they will be given amnesty
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The military rulers of Burma are afraid to give up the power they have been abusing. In order to have a violence free transition they need assurance from the rest of the world that they will be given some kind of clemency or amnesty as well as protection of their life. If the world can give that assurance perhaps there will be peace.
M Moktan, Canada
The junta have military minds only interested in ruling these poor, uneducated (they see to that) and defenceless Burmese. China is willing to see an isolated Burma to cover their backside. ASEAN just talks, is useless. The US and Britain: No oil or terrorists to boost their home ratings. UN: As usual, toothless tiger, unwilling to enforce after four decades (poor Burmese!). Finally, Aung San Suu Kyi - what can I say about this brave and brilliant lady? Hope that God will bless and guide her for the next few decades.
Hopeful, Thailand
While this is a flagrant violation of human rights, I believe that too much faith has been placed in democracy. What countries like Burma need is competent leadership, regardless of style. Democracy has failed, and will continue to fail, if underlying issues are not dealt with. In my opinion, the West should refocus its policies, before it damns the activities of other nations
Mike, Canada
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We must keep an interest in what happens in Burma
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Groups and individuals can do much, as Amnesty International has proven for years. We must keep an interest in what happens in Burma, and never let the leaders there forget that the world is watching. I hope that the ICC will succeed, so that such men will think twice before committing crimes against their people.
Matthew, USA
Ms Aung San Suu Kyi should be free. Right Now...this minute!
I have no more to add.
Ahmed Naseer,
Male', Maldives
Burma's military regime is one of the world's worst violators of human and workers rights with military spending soaking up at least 40% of public sector spending and - according to the UN - has 50,000 child soldiers, more than any other country.
At least 1,800 political prisoners remain detained and tortured, many of them supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Jaime,
UK
While I agree to sanction on Burma, I am concerned that this will not affect the regime as much as it did to South Africa. Burma was self-isolated for a long time, and used to not listening to the international community. Therefore, sanction may be not enough; we need a stronger presser than that.
Kham, USA
Military action against the junta in Burma could give them a good excuse to further crush the pro-democracy side, and perhaps even give them a good excuse to kill Aung San Suu Kyi , which would be a real loss to the world as a whole. That said, we need to do what we can short of military action in order to prevent further oppression. Furthermore, the people of Burma need to show their oppressors that they won't take this sitting down.
Tom Keiser, USA
A dangerous precedent was set by Britain and the USA when they invaded Iraq on the grounds that they were "liberating it" from a cruel regime. The only long term solution is a consistent high profile publicity campaign, firstly to free Aung San suu Kyi and secondly against the regime in Burma. But then, there are so many cruel regimes in the world that it will need consistent compassion and consistency from the worlds' press.
Ms Fliss Zakaszewska,
Cornwall, Britain
Now our national leader is in detention, we (Burmese people) want huge help and strong pressure for reform from the UN and international community. Burmese people have suffered for many decades; we want our country to change more than Iraq.
Kyaw Thu, S/Korea
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The best solution would be for neighbouring countries to address this
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Human rights are everyone's problem, not just the UK or US. The best solution would be for the neighbouring countries to address this... the UN is waste of space and should be ignored (as it has been by places like Iraq for many years anyway). This is only the UK's problem if we wish to make it so... and why would we, given the hatred our action in Iraq has created?
John Smith, UK
Where is the "coalition of the willing", those that seek to spread the realm of liberty, those that want freedom for oppressed people?
Are they simply political schizophrenics? Among countries that yearn for and deserve freedom Burma is on the top of the list. The world should do more, much more.
Ilizwe, Canada
If this is not the best time for UN, especially for US, EU and other concerned members of international community to take strong and immediate action against SPDC, in order to restore democracy in Burma, then when would that be? Burma should be a serious issue for UN Security Council now. It should directly and actively involve in the democratization process in Burma.
Zar Ni Wint, USA
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I think the phrase "regime change" has a nice ring to it.
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Aung San Suu Kyi is truly one of the great heroes of our time. She is a shining example of someone who truly puts the interest of others above her own. Books, films and stories will be made about her for a long time to come. This regime is currently one of the most oppressive in the world and the people in Burma have suffered enough. I think the phrase "regime change" has a nice ring to it.
Miguel Jonsson, Japan
The Military junta has done what it feels it should to stay in power. Why should it give up its hold on any power? The people of Burma are paying the price for Burma not being a country rich in resources.
Arif Sayed, Dubai, UAE
Burmese people have been under oppression for too long. It's time that international community, including China and ASEAN, do something. I believe the Burmese people deserve the same commitment as the Afghans and the Iraqis.
Si Thu,
Singapore
Ultimately, it is the people of Burma that have to decide and act on their own future. We can support them by continuing the boycotts of businesses that support this regime and voicing our protests to our own governments.
Bonnie Nan,
USA
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I would like to see Burma become a democratic country.
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I sympathise with Aung San Suu Kyi and I would like to see Burma become a democratic country. However, I did not like her asking the G8 countries to apply sanction because, many workers lost their jobs.
Padiwarada,
Canada
If we can justify an attack on Iraq by stating that we are liberating the people then why not take out the military government in Burma as well? These people need our help just as much.
William Leonard, USA
How can the world be so sure Aung San Suu Kyi has the support of the Burmese people?
Mcmug, China
The sooner they find huge quantities of oil in Burma the sooner Bush will solve this problem!
C Haughey, New Zealand
ASEAN will need to redouble efforts to find a political solution. We have to accept that the Myanmar military regime holds power and that change has to come from engaging them. ASEAN must also press on the Myanmar government that such violence is not acceptable. In any case, it will be a long road to freedom.
LK,
Malaysia
Send in the Marines! This excuse is as valid as the one misused in Iraq to topple Saddam. Are you listening Blair and Bush???
Soter Irusota, Nigeria
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Repression by the Burmese junta has gone on for far too long
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The repeated repression of any form of free speech, denial of basic human and political rights by the Burmese junta has gone on for far too long. The world, including, and especially, ASEAN members, should impose wide ranging sanctions now against this illegal and evil regime. Of course, Burma has no oil or nuclear weapons, does not pose a threat to the West, and has only a cultural heritage richer than most to offer the world. Cultural heritage rates somewhere down the list below exploitable natural resources, potential threat and consumption of Big Macs. Where is Burma, anyway? So, who cares? Nothing, I fear, will be done. What sort of world do we live in?
Gray Rogers,
Thailand
Enough talks have been done so now it is time to show that they are willing to commit for political reforms, prove that in action rather than talks, talks, talks. This ruthless and brutal regime does not care about their people but only for their small group. I don't understand why they are so threaten by her? I am very sad that it is such a lovely country rich with natural resources but badly run by this useless military government. So Mr. Bush, Mr. Blair and other world leaders, please raise your voice of concern for her!!!
Thiri Winn,
Burma/UK
Find 'proof' of WMD, invade, bringing about regime change and liberate the people from another dictator. What? No oil in Burma. Let them sort their own problems out then.
C. Williams, UK
It is now time to show the world leaders US, EU and Japan to show their cards to the most brutal general Than Shwe and his associates. It shows again clearly that all the UN resolutions are ineffective to Burma. It is not just a domestic problem of Burma; it is a common problem for all people who love freedom and democracy.
Z. Klein,
Germany
The Burmese government has the legal authority to prevent the widespread anarchy and instability that Aung San Suu Kyi incites on a daily basis.
Daniel Curtis, Vancouver, Canada
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It is an affront to humanity the way Aung San Suu Kyi has been treated
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It is an affront to humanity the way Aung San Suu Kyi has been treated by the military junta. When are the UN going to intervene in order to establish democracy in Burma. Is there not enough oil in Burma to tempt Mr. Bush?
Pedro M. Canadas, Spain
The military junta should stop hassling Aung San Suu Kyi and let her get on with running her political opposition. Their treatment of her over the years has been nothing short of outrageous.
John Richard Webb,
New Zealand
Burma should be completely isolated from the rest of the world, no shipments of goods in or out, but no military action.
Aubrey Best, USA
The U.N. needs to take action! If diplomatic pressure does not work, military intervention might be necessary to secure the freedom of Burma's people.
Nagy Balazs, Hungary
The world is now focused on WMD and nuclear proliferation. On the other side of the world democracy is crushed by military rulers. This should not be allowed by the western leaders. They have to raise their voice against these dictators.
Sivapalan,
Sri Lanka
The junta never has any integrity and cannot be trusted at all. From the beginning since they engaged to talk to Aung San Suu Kyi, we Burmese knew exactly that the junta were just playing politic and want help from other countries. For the sake of Burmese people, I could only pray that the junta has some conscience and compassion by engaging dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and start thinking that change is necessary to come out the crises. The junta cannot be trusted and we can't relax from pressuring the junta for political change.
Myo Tun, UK
It is too easy for ignorant and comfortable westerners to snap their fingers for an action when they feel none of the suffering brought about by war.
A change in regime is now essential but it is a mean to achieve human rights rather than an end in itself. War means massacres, destruction of infrastructures, of the economy, the environment and a negation of people freedom a livelihood.
Aung San Suu Kyi must be freed now. Then, a peaceful dialogue between SPDC and NLD must be initiated to facilitate regime transition and this must be supervised by UN authorities NOT US illegitimate and partisan arrogance.
The military junta, contrarily to popular belief, is an organ dynamised by a power balance that includes individuals in favour of this transition.
There is hope, especially if general Than Shwe, the principal hardliner, loses his influence.
Emmanuel Trepanier,
Canada
We should work to protect her. She is a force for reason in this part of the world.
Art Goolsby, Australia
It is about time the military regime handed over the power to Aung San Suu Kyi!
Sean, Malaysia
Immediate potent action by the UN would redeem its prestige. Do give some hope to the poor people.
Nyun Pe, Canada
I have seen this woman in action. She is brave, smart, dignified and very articulate. I suspect the military are afraid that her movement to bring Burma into the 21st century is picking up steam. I wish the world leaders would put the diplomatic pressure on the military dictatorship to release her and hold free elections. Where is Britain and America's voice in this? In the days before the Iraq war America touted itself as the champion of freedom and democracy. The only champion I see here is Aung San Suu Kyi.
Will Sherman,
Canada
No - it is a domestic problem. Let them get on with it. What we need to do is to integrate, engage and motivate change with positive feedback. Nothing works like engagement and integration. Talk to the Burmese - trade with them and invest in their country. It will bloom. Aung San is only one personality - good though she is, she has lost the ability to be tactful.
S Ravi,
The world must demand her liberation now. Human rights are the freedom for all people.
Oscar Gomez, Colombia
The US, UK and UN should give the junta 48 hours to release Suu Kyi otherwise... Military actions must be taken.
Louis L, Canada
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The Burmese Government is afraid of the result of a free elections
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I think that our leaders should intervene. She is not a threat to her opposition (physically wise) and is not violent. I think the Burmese Government is afraid of the result of a free election. Maybe they should listen to what she has to say. We are in 2003 not in the twenties. People and cultures evolve. They should follow with that evolution.
James Williamson, Canada
This is an illegal and brutal regime that must be opposed by all the people of the world. The UN and the G8 countries must speak out and stop all trading with Burma until they release San Suu Kyi and hold monitored elections.
Sheila Kennedy,
Canada
The UN will continue to provide aid to Burma in its various forms until a resolution is passed that restricts it to do so. It is the major powers in the world that have been ineffective by not tabling any such motion in the UN. ASEAN should bear some responsibility for supporting an illegitimate Burmese military government. Isolating Burma would clearly be a mistake. Did that kind of action succeed with North Korea?! UN resolution which includes a timetable for fresh elections, together with a strong UN monitoring team and penalties for non compliance is more likely to achieve the desired outcome.
Kieran, Hong Kong
China and ASEAN countries should rethink their policies on Burma. As long as these countries support the Burma military government, the military government will not care and survive the pressure from the rest of the world.
Soe Naing, USA
Clearly maximum pressure needs to be applied on the junta in Rangoon. Pity all they'll probably get is a slap on the wrist from the international community. Evidently they'll be no loud choruses for "regime change" based on "human rights" here, so sad.
Okey Wachuku,
Nigeria
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This very brave woman has fought for years to bring honesty to her government
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We should all speak out. This very brave woman has fought for years to bring honesty to her government. Now she needs everyone fighting for her. We must all contact our governments and ask them to speak out for her. As for the reconciliation talks, who can be certain when dealing with such a government? We can only try.
S Small, USA
India along with ASEAN should help in ending this nonsense regime and help the Burmese develop politically and economically. I'm not in favour in getting the US or UK in this matter, they'll mess up... The UN could help in developing the much needed democratic institutions. Let autocratic Myanmar be called democratic Burma once and for all!
Augusto,
Argentina
Sanctions against the government of Burma is nothing. Now is time to free Burmese from dictator junta. The word must be help Burmese.
Sar,
Austria
The countries in the area able to put pressure on Burma, have little interest in the suffering of the Burmese people. Big business is what it's all about.
Chiangmai Mike, Thailand
This development is NOT front section news in most newspapers in America. If it was, then maybe political pressure would be enforced on the military there. America must look beyond Iraq without losing site of our responsibilities there. We must become a people who wish to enhance world human rights.
Garry Albrecht,
USA
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The regime is really afraid of the students' demonstration but not Aung San Suu Kyi
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The regime is really afraid of the students' demonstration but not Aung San Suu Kyi. Seeing the incorrigible regime, we have to admit that external pressure might be in need.
Tadashi Suda,
Japan
It's outrageous that Aung San Suu Kyi, recipient of a Nobel peace prize, has been detained again. What sort of cowards would imprison their opposition? The international community should campaign for this brave woman's freedom.
Abby Mulholland, UK
Why should other countries get involved? This woman knew the risks of taking a stance against the government. Why should other governments get involved? Anyone who was against interfering in Iraq should be against interfering in Burma. Either countries mind their own business or risk being called the "world's policemen".
Jennifer,
USA
We Burmese are not surprised at all at the news. Because we know this regime and we know anything can happen to anybody in Burma. The regime doesn't speak an international language. There was much optimism flying around before this incident. These outsiders optimism is being paid for with Burmese people's lives (economy, healthcare and education virtually killing most majority now). Optimistic get nowhere. Here is the proof.
Jack, Singapore
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Notes of protest have become jokes
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Any country which is concerned over the loss of democratic rights in Myanmar/Burma should immediately withdraw its diplomatic personnel and suspend all foreign aid to that country. Notes of protest have become jokes. While we don't have the right to force other countries to become like us, we also aren't obliged to do business with those that don't meet basic standards of civilised conduct.
Steve Graham, US
The current brutal crackdown by the illegitimate Burmese junta has proven once again that the UN is ineffective when it comes to Burma's political impasse. What Burma needs is a referee who possesses both a carrot and a big stick - an incentive and an enforcement power to punish who violates the rules. Therefore, President Bush should appoint a US Special Envoy to Burma to come up with a comprehensive road map, which should include a specific time frame, rules and regulations so the military junta may not cheat again the next time.
Win Moe, USA
Countries must take concrete and firm action, to show the military regime that this behaviour is absolutely intolerable. Nevertheless, this should come in the form of strict sanctions, that would not be lifted until there is genuine change. Outside military intervention should be out of the question, as it would probably destabilize the country, and merely change power from one elite to another.
Alvaro José Castro Rivadeneira, Ecuador
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Help the Burmese by not going there until Aung San Suu Kyi is allowed to take her rightful place
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Governments should enact measures to stop business and trade with this brutish government and the general public can help by not travelling to Burma (Myanmar). Too many Canadians go there as tourists and when questioned about why, they shrug and say what can we do? Their other comments are that tourists bring in much needed money to the general public, what a lot of hog wash. Help the Burmese by not going there until Aung San Suu Kyi is allowed to take her rightful place, along with her colleagues and form a government.
Alannah, Canada
People should get out there and demonstrate, 7pm, June 4th, at every Burmese embassy worldwide.
Richard,
UK
It is about time that the Burmese government as it stands is kicked out. If there was ever a case for military intervention for regime change, it is here, although China may have something to say about that, which is why I suspect nothing has been done. Democratic Governments and their peoples should loudly condemn what is happening, and support the opposition.
Marek,
UK/Poland
Governments around the world can and should bring sanctions against the military government of Burma. Those sanctions should include nations which actively support this dictatorial and oppressive regime. The Burmese people have spoken with one voice in choosing Aung San Suu Kyi as their leader. It is up to the rest of the world to recognize the legitimate leader of Burma and cut off all diplomatic ties to the military dictators there.
Doug Fisher, USA
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We need regime change more than Iraq
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The army we used to love. Its main duty is to protect its own people but not to oppress, kill and rape the people they are supposed to protect. The chain of command must be broken if the commanders are not acting accordingly. I hope the younger officers would act on this for the sake of the future of the country. Too bad that we do not have oil like Iraq. We need regime change more than Iraq.
Aung Aung Pyu, USA
The world should do the same thing as in Iraq. The United States and Britain should use military power to remove the Burmese junta from power. This will be best for the Burmese people.
Mohamed,
Singapore
People around the world should raise their voice against Burmese military rulers otherwise 1988 crisis will be reflected and this will be worst than before. Since the people would like to try their last chance in changing the government.
Srini, India
This is a serious escalation in the junta's repression campaign which has been going on for ever.
If ever there was a case for liberation, this country is it. Bush and Blair, are you listening?
Rubin Naidu, Toronto, Canada
Enough talking has been done, and Burmese people are very frustrated about the little (now no) progress in the political process. What is plain is that the Burmese military regime is not genuinely committed to the dialogue. The military does not understand words, they only understand actions - very much like Saddam Hussein. Perhaps Burma also needs to be 'liberated' soon.
Anon, Burma/UK
Sanctions that helped topple the apartheid regime are one of the most appropriate pressures that the international community can bring on the military dictators in Burma. If harsh enough, the regime will certainly fall, although the people may suffer for a while. So far, these generals get help from China, India and Asian countries, and therefore do not care about the international community at large.
John Davis,
USA
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This junta is easily comparable to Saddam Hussein (just without the oil)
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If the Pentagon and 10 Downing St are so fixated on human rights, as they are now in Iraq, (because the whole WMD thing didn't quite work out for them) let them go in and get rid of the despotic military rulers in Burma. This junta is easily comparable to Saddam Hussein (just without the oil) so it is time for Bush and Blair to put up or shut up - do human rights matter? Roger
Roger Soler, Canada
We cannot bear this incident. She is our leader. Now is time for invasion, like in Iraq. Help our people Mr Bush, Mr Blair, Mr Annan.
Paul Min Min,
Thailand
Why does Bush (and Blair) not include the Myanmar Generals in their axis of Evil? They are clearly harbouring terrorists in their country - namely themselves.
Like Saddam, these Generals have been fooling around with the international community for over a decade now. They are exploiting their own population, killing innocent people at random. What more does it need for our self-declared Western crusaders to intervene at last in yet another pitifully oppressed country?
If the world leaders would really act for the sake of democracy, they wouldn't wait another minute.
Michael, Switzerland
As a former expat in Myanmar I am not at all surprised at the current events that have taken place. There is little hope of change in the attitude of the current regime unless governments of countries that have an influence on Myanmar take some form of action (such as China and Malaysia). This seems unlikely however, due to their commercial interests in Myanmar. Action from other countries, organisations and individuals will make zero difference. It maybe that ASEAN may also be an option to exert influence.
Paul Cavender, UK
This is a serious escalation in the junta's repression campaign which has been going on for ever. If ever there was a case for liberation, this country is it. Bush and Blair, are you listening?
Rubin Naidu, Toronto, Canada
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Burmese people are very frustrated
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Enough talking has been done, and Burmese people are very frustrated about the little (now no) progress in the political process. What is plain is that the Burmese military regime is not genuinely committed to the dialogue. The military does not understand words, they only understand actions - very much like Saddam Hussein. Perhaps Burma also needs to be 'liberated' soon.
Anonymous, Burma/UK
Sanctions that helped topple the apartheid regime are one of the most appropriate pressures that the international community can bring on the military dictators in Burma. If harsh enough, the regime will certainly fall, although the people may suffer for a while. So far, these generals get help from China, India and Asian countries, and therefore do not care about the international community at large.
John Davis,
USA
Shouldn't we ask Aung San Suu Kyi what she wants the world to do? In the mean time, the world could act as if she was the only legitimate representative of - and only legitimate contact for - her country. Let us cease to woo the military dictatorship as we do. The rule "no ASSK approval = no deal" should get the military's attention.
Georges Braud, Belgium
World leaders should condemn this move and press strongly for the release of San Suu Kyi or a full explanation of her detention.
Joan Eales, England
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