Burma: Extension of Suu Kyi's detention - timeline
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Timeline
- January 2007. A draft UN Security Council resolution calling for Burma to release all political prisoners is defeated by China and Russia.
- November 2006. The UN Undersecretary visits Burma and urges the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to release all political prisoners; a leaked video extract shows the opulent wedding of the SPDC chair’s daughter.
- May 2006. Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is renewed, dashing hopes of her release raised by the visit of the UN Undersecretary.
- April 2006. The SPDC designates four opposition groups, but not the National League for Democracy (NLD), as terrorist organisations.
- October 2005. A US human rights advocacy group appeals to the UN Security Council to discuss alleged human rights abuses in Burma.
- February 2005. The SPDC convenes a constitutional convention, which opposition parties boycott after the authorities arrest many opposition leaders.
- November 2004. The SPDC purges allies of deposed Prime Minister Khin Nyunt.
- October 2004. Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt is ousted on allegations of corruption; the opposition says he is under house arrest.
- September 2004. The foreign minister and deputy foreign minister are replaced with army officials.
- July 2004. The constitutional convention adjourns after less than two months, no reason is given; opposition parties are absent from the convention.
- May 2004. The NLD boycotts the constitutional convention.
- March 2004. The UN envoy visits, saying that he is convinced that Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt is committed to democracy; the envoy also meets Suu Kyi.
- September 2003. Suu Kyi returns to house arrest after medical treatment
- June 2003. The seizure of Suu Kyi prompts Japan to suspend economic aid; US diplomats surveying the scene of an attack on Suu Kyi's followers attest to a co-ordinated attack by a government mob.
- May 2003. Suu Kyi is seized in a clash between government and NLD forces.
- September 2002. Four members of former dictator Ne Win’s family are sentenced to death for plotting to overthrow the government.
- August 2002. Suu Kyi calls for release of political prisoners.
- May 2002. Suu Kyi is released from house arrest; she continues calls for a tourism moratorium and the implementation of democracy.
- March 2002. The SPDC says that it foiled a coup attempt, and blames family members of former dictator Ne Win.
- February 2002. The UN human rights envoy visits; the International Labour Organisation (ILO) plans to set up office to eradicate forced labour.
- October 2001. The SPDC declares martial law in wake of religious riots.
- June 2001. The SPDC releases 28 NLD members from prison.
- January 2001. The SPDC holds talks with Suu Kyi in a move spurred by the desire to attract foreign investment; further arrests of opposition officials are reported.
- September 2000. Suu Kyi is placed under house arrest for a second time.
- June 2000. The army allegedly massacres villagers in Shan state; the ILO votes to adopt measures if Burma does not cease practice of forced labour.
- April 1999. Suu Kyi calls for UN action on human rights.
- March 1999. Suu Kyi’s husband dies. Her request for a visa to travel to see him is denied by the SPDC.
- August 1998. The stand-off continues between Suu Kyi and the SPDC.
- July 1998. A stand-off occurs between Suu Kyi and the military regime after Suu Kyi calls for reinstatement of the legislative balance that reflected the results of the annulled 1990 elections.
- December 1997. The composition of the new government is announced.
- November 1997. The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) is dissolved and the SPDC formed; the new government is still led by country’s top four military commanders
- June 1997. A leading NLD member dies in prison, having been arrested for organising the 1990 demonstrations.
- June 1996. The SLORC passes a law prohibiting opposition parties; legislation is passed restricting the activities of the NLD.
- May 1996. In a SLORC crackdown 260 NLD members are arrested.
- October 1995. Suu Kyi is restored as NLD leader.
- July 1995. The release of Suu Kyi is announced; the unexpected move prompts Japan to resume aid to Burma.
- April 1994. Several leading rebels flee to foreign countries.
- April 1993. The constitutional convention breaks up after the opposition rejects the military’s role in government.
- February 1993. Nobel peace laureates call for the release of Suu Kyi.
- October 1991. Suu Kyi wins Nobel Peace Prize, for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights.
- December 1991. SLORC prohibits Suu Kyi from taking part in political activity
- May 1990. The NLD is elected to power, the party supported by the military junta gains just 20 per cent of the votes; the SLORC does not recognise the results of the elections.
- January 1990. Suu Kyi is banned from participation in the elections.
- July 1989. Suu Kyi is put under house arrest as Burma's leaders declare martial law.
- October 1988. Ne Win resigns as Burmese Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) chairman; the activity of insurgent groups leads to an anti-government uprising, prompting a military takeover.
- October 1988. Suu Kyi returns to Burma from England during political upheaval to promote democratic change.
- December 1981. Ne Win resigns as President San Yu elected; the government engages in abortive discussions with the Burma Communist Party.
- May 1976. Renewed student unrest breaks out; communist and rebel activities persist in Eastern Burma.
- March 1962. Ne Win overthrows the government of U Nu and arrests former leadership; the military council announces the formation of a new government.
- March 1952. The government battles communist and Karen insurgents.
- December 1947. Burma adopts a new constitution; the Karenni state is subsumed within the new entity; the UK recognises Burmese independence under the Anglo-Burmese treaty; the transfer of power from the UK authorities takes place on Jan. 4, 1948.
