Myanmar Refuses Access to U.N.

March 15, 2008 12:34 p.m. EST

Yangon, Myanmar (AHN) - A United Nations-appointed rights expert said Saturday that Myanmar has refused him entry to the country contrary to earlier reports that Myanmar's capital Yangon has granted him a visa.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, whose mandate as an independent exert on Myanmar is due to end soon, said Myanmar has not allowed him entry since his last visit in November.

Pinheiro strongly condemned the military government's attacks on pro-democracy protesters. Pinheiro said the Myanmar government is not responding to international demands to hold free elections and prosecute those responsible for killings and other human-rights abuses.

Meanwhile, pro-democracy activists urged the public on Friday to vote against the military-drafted constitution, saying it will curtail the freedom of the people.

"People who are eligible to vote should go to polling stations and put 'No' votes in the ballot boxes. You do not need to be afraid. The authorities have no right to arrest you for voting against this constitution," said the 88 Generation Students, a pro-democracy group, said in a statement.