JAN 22: A Yangon court today ruled in favour of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, dismissing a case brought by her estranged brother for partitioning their family property.The Yangon Division Court Judge Soe Thein cited procedural errors in throwing out the case filed by Aung San Oo, who wanted the division of the sprawling lakeside property where Suu Kyi lives, now under virtual house arrest.The verdict provides rare good news for Suu Kyi, coming at a time when she has started reconciliation talks with Myanmar's ruling military junta over their decade-old political deadlock.A four-member European Union delegation also is expected to meet her and the generals to assess the progress of the talks during its January 29-31 visit to Myanmar.At the hearing today, Judge Soe Thein said a suit for partition of the property is not maintainable as the claimant is not in possession of the estate.Today, Suu Kyi completed four months of virtual house arrest in the disputed residence. The property was inherited by Suu Kyi and Aung San Oo from their mother.Aung San Oo, who lives in California, is believed to disagree with Suu Kyi's political views, which have put her in direct confrontation with Myanmar's military rulers.Aung San Oo's case was believed to have been brought with the tacit approval of the government. Its dismissal - courts in Myanmar are controlled by the government - appears to show that the junta is making an effort to keep the atmosphere conducive for the reconciliation talks.
