The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Yangon

Supporters of Burma's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi made solemn offerings to Buddhist monks early on Thursday as they marked her 63rd birthday, which she is spending under house arrest.

Dozens of people gathered outside the Rangoon headquarters of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party, giving food to monks who were making their daily rounds to collect alms. "Later, we will release nine doves to bring peace and freedom to Daw Suu Kyi," said Lai Lai, one of the party members.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent more than 12 years under house arrest in her rambling lakeside home, where she is allowed no contact with the outside world. The United States marked her birthday by noting that her continued imprisonment was a "deplorable situation" that must end.