Myanmar lifts assembly ban, curfew

Myanmar on Saturday lifted a curfew and ended a ban on assembly imposed during a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, a sign that military rulers are confident they have crushed the country’s largest protests in two decades.

The relaxing of restrictions imposed Sept. 25 was announced from government vehicles driven through the streets of this city, Myanmar’s largest, also known as Rangoon.

“The curfew and ban on assembly have been revoked effective today, because security and stability have improved,” the announcement said.

It was not immediately clear whether the restrictions were also lifted in Mandalay, another major city and a focus of the demonstrations.

The lifting of the 9 p.m.-to- 5 a.m. curfew and ban on gatherings of more than five people indicates that the junta believes it has stamped out the uprising sparked in August by a sharp rise in fuel prices. Small protests quickly grew into anti-government demonstrations tens of thousands of people strong, spearheaded by legions of the country’s respected Buddhist monks.

Government forces responded by detaining thousands of demonstrators and shooting into the crowds. The military rulers say 10 people were killed; diplomats and activists say the toll is much higher.

Since the crackdown, authorities in Myanmar, also known as Burma, have attempted to portray a softer touch. They have cleared the streets of soldiers and released some prominent activists.

The White House dismissed the latest move, a day after President Bush announced new penalties against Myanmar’s government.

“The actions of the regime are cosmetic. What we need are signs of serious intent to move toward a democratic transition,” White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.