BURMA: Burma's democracy icon Ms Aung San Suu Kyi has returned to her home after more than three months in detention but her doctors say she faces house arrest with the military government screening visitors.
The Nobel laureate, who had major surgery a week ago, was driven yesterday from hospital to her lakeside Rangoon home.
The government confirmed Ms Suu Kyi, in isolation at a secret location since May 30th before entering hospital, had returned home. It did not say whether she was in custody. "She will continue to rest at home under the supervision of her doctors while the government stands ready to provide and assist her with medical and humanitarian needs," a government statement said.
Her return comes four days before UN envoy Mr Razali Ismail arrives for talks with Burma's military rulers, who also face pressure from south-east Asian neighbours to free Ms Suu Kyi before a regional summit next month.
"She will be under house arrest," Dr Tin Myo Win earlier told reporters at the Asia Royal medical centre. "Anybody who wishes to see her once she is home can make arrangement through the authorities." He said Ms Suu Kyi had negotiated her return before entering hospital. She was recovering well from surgery - said by the government to have been for gynaecological problems - but would be under his daily care.
Security was tight around the house in central Rangoon, where she has been confined for more than seven of the last 14 years.
Burma has been the target of international outrage and fresh sanctions since Ms Suu Kyi was detained after a clash between her followers and government supporters in May.
Indonesia, which chairs the 10- member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), has made clear it wants Burma's military junta to free Ms Suu Kyi before ASEAN leaders meet in Bali in October.