YANGON, MYANMAR — Myanmar lifted a curfew Saturday and ended a ban on assembly imposed during a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protests – the latest sign the military rulers are confident they have fully crushed the largest demonstrations in two decades.
The White House dismissed the move as “cosmetic,” a day after President Bush announced new penalties against the military-run government.
“What we need are signs of serious intent to move toward a democratic transition,” presidential press secretary Dana Perino said.
The relaxing of restrictions imposed Sept. 25 was announced from government vehicles driving through the streets of Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon.
The lifting of the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew and ban on gatherings of more than five people indicate the junta believes it has stamped out the uprising that was sparked in August by public anger at a sharp rise in fuel prices. Small protests grew into anti-government demonstrations tens of thousands of people strong.
