Birthday marked by Myanmar protest around the world

YANGON - Buddhist monks chanted prayers to mark the 61st birthday of detained democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday while pro-democracy activists around the world planned protests against Myanmar's military junta.

Rallies were due to be held in more than 25 countries across Asia, Europe and North America to demand the freedom of the Nobel Peace laureate, who has spent 10 of the past 17 years in some form of detention.

At the headquarters of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, party leaders gave offerings to Buddhist monks and planned more ceremonies.

Suu Kyi's house arrest was extended for another year on May 27 despite international pressure and an appeal from United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to junta leader Than Shwe to "do the right thing".

- REUTERS