Opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) offered to recognise military rule if military junta frees NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi and convenes parliament elected in 1990. Under proposal, parliament would then recognise junta as de jure transitional government. Deadly clashes reported between military and Indian Nagaland (NSCN-K) separatist groups based in Myanmar.

UN special representative Razali Ismail resigned, after his entry to Myanmar refused for 2 years. Convention to draft constitution adjourned till end 2006.

Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) leaders criticised ruling military junta for lack of democratic reforms and called for movement on “roadmap for democracy”, as well as status of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Convention to draft constitution resumed 5 December. Military reportedly launched offensive in west against faction of Indian Nagaland separatists, while clashes between ethnic Karenni rebels and military reportedly continued. French contingent of Médecins Sans Frontières to withdraw because of restrictions imposed on staff. Bizarre plan to move capital to central town of Pyinmana 300 km north of Yangon made rapid progress.

UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar condemned human rights violations ranging from torture, rape and forced labour to violation of political and civil liberties. Military junta announced capital to be moved to Pyinmana, 300 km north of Yangon, suggesting growing paranoia of leadership. Convention to draft constitution due to resume 5 December. National League of Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest extended for 1 year. Karen villages near Thai border reportedly attacked by Burmese troops 26 November.

Continued calls for UN Security Council action as pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked 10 years under house arrest 25 October. National Convention to draft new constitution to reconvene 5 December.

UN human rights expert submitted report to UNSG Annan calling for immediate democratic reforms. U.S. reportedly expected to raise Myanmar at UN Security Council in October; follows declaration by former Czech President Vaclav Havel, and Bishop Desmond Tutu calling for Security Council action. FM Nyan Win told UN General Assembly his country would achieve “new era” of democracy more quickly without outside pressure.

UN-led Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria said would withdraw from Myanmar, citing obstruction of activities. UN special envoy, former Indonesian FM Ali Alatas, visited Yangon 18-20 August; met with Foreign Minister U Nyan Win and Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe, reportedly to discuss reform of UN. Minister of information denied rumours of military coup 28 August, saying Than Shwe in good health and in control of government.

Myanmar agreed to defer 2006 ASEAN chairmanship after unprecedented pressure from within regional bloc. U.S. and EU had called for forfeit of chair until meaningful democratic reform achieved. Former PM Khin Nyunt given 44-year suspended sentence for corruption.

Several reports published documenting continuing human rights crisis of political prisoners and ethnic minorities. Report by British academic claimed government troops committing atrocities in Shan, Karen and Karenni states, amounting to “possible genocide”.

In most serious attack on capital Yangon in recent history 3 coordinated blasts 7 May killed at least 19 and injured 162. Ruling junta blamed ethnic groups and self-proclaimed pro-democracy government in exile. Karen and Shan ethnic groups denied any involvement. Two Shan guerilla groups announced merger to fight military regime.