Suu Kyi’s visit to Pegu

Aung San Suu Kyi on a one-day political trip out of Rangoon that helped the pro-democracy leader test her political room to maneuver.Little fanfare surrounded the day trip of the secretary general of the National League for Democracy to Pegu (Bago) to open two libraries and offer a donation to thousands of victims of flooding in the region.Suu Kyi said in her speech, she stressed the importance of reading and how it was necessary to help young people become mentally strong. One of the programmes of her party is to provide educational help, and Suu Kyi herself has spent much time talking and giving speeches to youth. She, herself, is a voracious reader.

But the trip was also an opportunity to test the water with the Burmese government. Since her release from house arrest last November, fears have been voiced for her safety if she travels outside of Rangoon due to violence she and her supporters experienced in Depayin in May 2003.At least 70 people associated with her party were killed by a government-sponsored mob and Suu Kyi appeared lucky to escape. She was arrested shortly after.

The short trip to Pegu, leaving by road at 5:45 a.m. and returning at about 5 p.m. went off without incident. She was able to open the libraries, visit monasteries, and offer aid to flood victims.

Recent meetings with Aung Kyi, a government minister, are credited with smoothing the way.Mizzima