Myanmar tells Suu Kyi not to call country 'Burma'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 June 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Myanmar tells Suu Kyi not to call country 'Burma', 29 June 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ff6aa5123.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 29, 2012
Authorities in Myanmar have told pro-democracy opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to refer to her country by its official name, not "Burma," as it was known before the military government requested a change in English-languages references it in 1989.
In a letter published in a Myanmar newspaper, the Election Commission told Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party to use the country's name "as prescribed in the constitution."
In several high-profile speeches during her just-completed European tour, Suu Kyi called the southeast Asian country Burma.
Opponents of the government and exile groups have persisted in referring to the country as Burma as a sign of protest.
The name Burma was given to the country by the British, who occupied it from 1826 to 1948.
Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
