Myanmar exiles, human rights groups, and several governments, mostly outside Asia, have also publicly appealed to Yangon's State Peace and Development Council to give Aris and their two sons visas on humanitarian grounds.

CNN: A DYING WISH

At the time of the last big reshuffle, in 1997, the junta changed its name from the sinister-sounding State Law and Order Restoration Council to the less-intimidating State Peace and Development Council, and reiterated its determination to restore democracy.

ECONOMIST: Hint of a role for Aung San Suu Kyi

Moreover, its ill-named military government, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is believed to at least turn a blind eye to the activity of drug barons in its territory, and quite probably to protect and abet them in exchange for a cut of their profits.

CNN: BOYCOTT DRUGS, NOT MEETINGS