Myanmar may free Suu Kyi in two weeks

August 8, 2003 6:15 AM

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose detention since May 30 has sparked international outrage, may be freed within the next two weeks, a Bangkok newspaper says.

A Thai general commanding troops near the Thai-Myanmar border said he had been told by his Myanmar counterparts that the Yangon military junta was ready to free Suu Kyi, detained after a clash between her supporters and pro-government youths.

"I have received a good signal from Burma about the planned release of the opposition leader," the Bangkok Post on Friday quoted Lieutenant-General Picharnmet Muangmanee as saying.

He said Suu Kyi's release might coincide with a regional border committee meeting from August 22 to 24 to discuss drug suppression and other border issues.

"She will probably be freed during the RBC meeting," Picharnmet, who will co-chair the meeting, was quoted as saying.

He was not immediately available to confirm the report.

Myanmar's military, which has ruled since a 1962 coup, has so far ignored Western sanctions and an unprecedented public rebuke from its Southeast Asian neighbours for holding Suu Kyi.

She has been kept in a secret location -- for her own protection, the government says -- since the end of May.