Phnom Penh, June 16: A reported assassination plot against Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was based on rumours but required the country's ruling junta to protect her, Foreign Minister Win Aung said. He said that the opposition leader was being detained by the government due to the risk of assassins targeting her.
"There were some assassins going in the country, I don't know whom their targets will be, that's why we are protecting Aung San Suu Kyi for the time being," he said.
It was the first time assassination was specifically mentioned by the country's leaders in connection with her arrest, although they have consistently said she was being held in custody for her own protection.
Her arrest followed brutal may 30 clashes between her supporters and a pro-junta mob while she made a political tour of the country's north, prompting international outrage led personally by US President George W. Bush.
Win Aung said late yesterday that the assassination plot was mere rumour, but needed nevertheless to be taken seriously.

Bureau Report