Army blamed for Suu Kyi attack

By Christopher Gunness
BBC's East Asia Today, northern Thailand

After the attack, the authorities detained Aung San Suu Kyi

The BBC has obtained the first eyewitness evidence that the Burmese army directed and orchestrated the attack in May on the motorcade of the democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Until now the incident has been blamed on civilian supporters of the government, rather than the army itself.

The attack and subsequent detention of Aung San Suu Kyi sparked international outrage and just this week the US Congress imposed heavy sanctions against Burmese exports.

The eyewitness, Chit San, was driving just four cars behind Aung San Suu Kyi when the attack took place on the night of 30 May.

He said there were nearly 200 armed policemen and soldiers standing at the edge of the road, shouting instructions to attack and kill those in the convoy.

Chit San said he was in no doubt that this was an attack planned and orchestrated by the army itself

The security personnel were in uniform and armed.

The attackers carried iron spears and knives and, according to eyewitnesses, many people sustained severe injuries to the head and upper body.

Chit San said he was in no doubt that this was an attack planned and orchestrated by the army itself.

The government disputes this and rejects the opposition figure of 70 dead.

Rangoon claims just four people died.

China 'courting opposition'

Meanwhile, a senior National League for Democracy figure in Thailand, Nyo Myint, has told the BBC he has been invited for talks next week with party officials in south-western China.

He said this was an indication that Chinese officials are increasingly embarrassed about attacks on Burma's opposition.

He said this was a sign that the Chinese Government, which until now has fully supported Rangoon, is building bridges with Burma's democratic opposition.