Myanmar’s new military-backed government has warned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar’s new military-backed government has warned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party to halt all political activities, official media said today.

The home affairs ministry has written to the Nobel Peace Prize winner saying her party is breaking the law by maintaining party offices, holding meetings and issuing statements, the New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported.

“If they really want to accept and practice democracy effectively, they are to stop such acts that can harm peace and stability and the rule of law as well as the unity among the people including monks and service personnel,” it said.

Suu Kyi was freed in November after seven straight years of house arrest, less than a week after an election in Myanmar that critics said was a charade aimed at preserving military rule behind a civilian facade.

Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party was disbanded by the military rulers last year because it boycotted the poll, saying the rules were unfair.

The English-language daily, a mouthpiece for the regime, also warned that a planned political tour by Suu Kyi could lead to turmoil.

“We are deeply concerned that if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi makes trips to countryside regions, there may be chaos and riots, as evidenced by previous incidents,” a commentary in the newspaper said.

Pro-democracy protests in 1988 and 2007 were brutally crushed by the military rulers of Myanmar.

Source AFP