Women-oriented organizations based on the border celebrated the 63rd birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest, by painting her portrait and holding essay competitions.

Daw Nang Nyn Yi, who is in charge of the Ethnic Women Relief Centre said, "The important aim is to know how much the present generation wants to participate in politics. However, we cannot know about their aims by only writing essays. But, we can clearly see their feelings reflected in the essays."

A refugee participant said, "Children can paint Daw Suu Kyi's portrait very well. They have all painted Daw Suu's smiling face. If I was in a prison, I wouldn't be happy. But Daw Suu's face is smiling and happy. Therefore, we can take lessons and draw strength from our leader".

There were 14 paintings and 11 essays in the competition. All the essays and paintings would be used in books published by the Karenni Women's Organization.

Daw Nang Nyn Yi urged all ethnic people, living in border areas, to participate in various ways to help the people of Burma.

The competition was held in a Karenni refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border today. Despite the international community having asked the Burmese junta to release Daw Suu Kyi, the junta has extended her house arrest for another year.