The leader of Burma's pro-democracy movement says she hopes the country's 50th year of independence from Britain will bring greater respect for human rights.

Aung San Suu Kyi has appealed to Burma's military government to open a dialogue to resolve political issues and attempt to achieve reconciliation.

She was addressing supporters of her National League for Democracy as Burma, now officially known as Myanmar, celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain on Sunday.

The military government is suspicious of democracy-seekers

In a statement read at a ceremony before dawn, the chairman of Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council, General Than Shwe, called for vigilance against those seeking to disrupt stability on the pretext of democracy and human rights.

The vigilance was apparent in the heightened security on the streets of the capital, Rangoon.

Armed policemen were placed at several strategic locations in and security was tight outside the house of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The 600 people who arrived at the house for her annual independence day celebration were stopped at checkpoints and forced to identify themselves before being allowed in to her compound.

Suu Kyi, daughter of Myanmar independence hero General Aung San, called on the government to hold talks with the opposition, and lashed out at the ruling generals for failing to give the freedoms fought for by her father and other freedom fighters.

The military has held power since 1962

"Although the independence of the nation has turned to a Golden Jubilee, its situation is not as bright and beautiful even as silver - its far from gold," she said.

"Our inability to implement unity among national races and to create internal peace, the lack of human rights and the low standard of living of the people and the declining economy of the country are not as beautiful as gold."

Repeating a request she has made often since being released from six years of house arrest in July 1995, she called for dialogue with the government.

"The NLD will keep making efforts to solve the political issues by holding dialogue in view of the people's interest," she said.

The military has held power since 1962, despite an election victory by the National League for Democracy in 1990.
 

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