Myanmar opposition HQ reopens

Supporters of Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi sang democracy songs and demanded her release after the military government allowed her party to reopen its headquarters following a year-long crackdown.
Under the eye of plainclothes security men, National League for Democracy activists cheered as they raised the red-and-white party flag outside the rundown office, which had been shut since a clash between government and opposition followers last May.
"Only when they reopen all the offices and release the remaining leaders will our situation return to normal," a senior NLD leader told Reuters.
The reopening of the headquarters, which followed the release of two NLD officials from house arrest on Tuesday, has intensified speculation that Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi may be freed soon.
She and vice chairman Tin Oo are the last senior party leaders still confined to their homes since the May 30 clash which critics blamed on the junta.
Yangon denied orchestrating the violence, but it has come under fierce international pressure to end the crackdown, release hundreds of political prisoners and move towards democracy.
The military government, which has ruled the former Burma since 1962, has promised fresh constitutional talks next month as part of its "road map to democracy" announced last August.
But the NLD has refused to consider joining the talks until Suu Kyi, the party's secretary general, and Tin Oo are freed. It also demanded that party offices across the country be reopened.
"Without the participation of the vice chairman and secretary general, we the remaining central executive committee members will not make any decision in connection with matters concerning the National Convention," the NLD said in a statement released to reporters outside its headquarters.
Hours after the military removed a lock and chains barring entry to the building, NLD supporters were busy cleaning. The office was untouched with pictures of Suu Kyi on the walls and banners proclaiming "Martyrs Never Die" and "NLD for the People".
Five Buddhist monks in saffron robes chanted their blessings to mark Saturday's New Year holiday.