Memorial Services for Michael Aris

Hundreds Throng Yangon Prayers For Suu Kyi Husband

03:18 a.m. Apr 02, 1999 Eastern

By Aung Hla Tun

YANGON, Myanmar (Reuters) - More than 1,000 well-wishers attended a Buddhist ceremony at Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's home Friday to mark the seventh day of mourning her husband.

Fifty-three monks chanted prayers at Suu Kyi's lakeside Yangon home for Michael Aris, a British academic who died on his 53rd birthday Saturday of prostate cancer. Diplomats and officials of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy were among the congregation seated on mats for the ceremony. Suu Kyi, without the trademark flower in her hair, offered saffron robes to the monks as part of the Buddhist merit-making tradition. She said nothing to reporters.

The gathering was probably the largest at Suu Kyi's home since her release from house arrest by the military four years ago, well-wishers said. ``I am glad that I can come to give moral support and encouragement to her at this time of sorrow,'' said one.

There were security checkpoints along the road leading to Suu Kyi's house but visitors were allowed through.

The ruling military-dominated State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) did not grant Aris a visa despite a last-ditch attempt to see his wife before he died.

Instead, it said Suu Kyi could go to England, an offer she refused for fear of not being allowed to return. The military has increased pressure on Suu Kyi and the NLD since she demanded the government convene a people's parliament elected in 1990 polls which the military has refused to recognize.

There is a temporary political truce during mourning which can last from seven to 100 days.