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Myanmar arrests three activists

Myanmar's military junta arrested three pro-democracy activists yesterday as the political party of detained Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi marked its 18th anniversary, activists said.

Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe -- who served lengthy prison sentences of a decade or more and were released along with hundreds of dissidents in late 2004 -- were picked up by police early yesterday morning before the party began its anniversary celebrations in Yangon, activists said.

The activists declined to be named for fear of government reprisals.

A relative of Htay Kywe, who also refused to be identified for fear of reprisals, said in a telephone interview that the family was very worried about the arrest.

The three activists all served prison sentences of a decade or more and are part of a "88 Generation Students Group," which the government often accuses of trying to destabilizing the country.

The military junta could not be immediately reached for comment on the reported arrests.

Meanwhile, dozens of activists descended on the National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters to celebrate the party's anniversary. Some 70 activists sat in front of the party offices amid tight security chanting "Free Aung San Suu Kyi," while foreign diplomats, reporters and activist attended the event inside.

"We have asked permission from authorities to hold the ceremony today," party spokesman Nyan Win said. "A statement will be issued and the party secretary will give a speech."

Dozens of police officers watched the events, some video taping and taking photographs. But no one was arrested at that time, witnesses said.

The NLD won a landslide victory in a 1990 general election, but the military refused to hand over power, claiming it had to first write a new constitution.

Since then, the party and its members have faced constant harassment and Suu Kyi has been detained since May 2003. Members also are often arrested ahead of events celebrating Suu Kyi or the party.

Myanmar's military government on Tuesday said the country was steadfastly implementing a seven-step road map to democracy and criticized the US for putting it on the UN Security Council's agenda.

The US State Department said it would seek a Security Council resolution demanding freedom for political prisoners in Myanmar and a democratic movement toward national reconciliation, claiming political repression there is damaging stability throughout Southeast Asia.
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