THOUSANDS of supporters braving monsoon rains gathered at pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi's gate yesterday for the second consecutive week after a government ban on such meetings.
"The right to hold peaceful public meetings should not be withheld for some while others are permitted to do so," Suu Kyi said, apparently comparing the pro-democracy gatherings to pro-government mass rallies marred by allegations of coerced attendance.
Her National League for Democracy has frequently been attacked by the ruling military junta as a threat to peace and stability.
Pope John Paul II appealed yesterday for a fight against homelessness. The Pope said many young people were prevented from marrying because they could not find a house to live in. "It would not be right for anyone, not least public authorities, to ignore the drama faced by so many people and of entire families, who are forced to live on the streets."
The Pope said he was "satisfied" by the recent UN conference on cities and homelessness in Turkey which stated that every family had a right to their own house.
A Paris antiques dealer has found what he says may be the armour worn by Joan of Arc when she fought to rid France of English armies in the 15th century. The Journal du Dimanche said yesterday that dealer Pierre de Souzy, a specialist in old weapons, became curious about the armour when he noticed it was only 5 ft tall and seemed from its shape to have been made for a woman rather than a man.