Dying for a Reunion

Now he has made another request, the friends added, even though he is not fit enough at the moment to travel, and negotiations with Myanmar authorities were continuing.

Yangon however insists it is Aung San Suu Kyi who should make the journey, the friends said. 8220;They have said it is for the sick person to be visited.8221; But Suu Kyi is understood to be unlikely to leave Myanmar for fear she may not be allowed back.

One of the friends was quoted by the Guardian as saying Aris is 8220;desperate to get in to see her to say goodbye for the last time.8221; But hewould have to be accompanied by a nurse and might not even survive the journey.

8220;It seems unlikely the visa will be granted, but this would be a golden opportunity for the Myanmar government to display a humanitarian gesture.8221;

Aung San Suu Kyi heads the Opposition National League for Democracy, which won elections in May 1990. But the junta has never recognised the results and the NLD has repeatedly called for parliament to be allowed to convene.