The World - News from Aug. 22, 1988

Burmese authorities braced for renewed anti-government demonstrations, sealing off the capital of Rangoon and putting up barbed-wire barriers to prevent marches. A general strike called for today is expected to be a major test for President Maung Maung, who came to power last Friday, succeeding hard-liner Sein Lwin. An Asian diplomat in Rangoon said that 1,000 to 2,000 demonstrators rallied in front of Rangoon General Hospital, putting up posters saying “We Want a Multi-Party System” and “Join the General Strike.” Meanwhile, authorities continued to release people arrested in Rangoon during the Aug. 8-12 rioting. Official Radio Rangoon said another 100 people were freed, bringing the total reported released to 408.