Burma marks 1998 uprising anniversary

Public commemorations are taking place in Burma to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1988 uprisings which saw over 3,000 people killed, but led to the start of the countries pro-democracy movement. It is the first time the anniversary has been openly commemorated. Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets on 8 August 1988 - but just six weeks later the military was firmly back in power with 3,000 protesters dead and thousands more jailed. During the protests, Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as the leader of the pro-democracy movement in Burma, and Mr Suu Kyi - who is now leader of the opposition party in Burma - is expected to give a speech to mark the anniversary.  Photo exhibitions and performances in mock prison cells have been organized to decipt events during the uprising and the crackdown on them. The current government, led by President Thein Sein, has made a series of political and economical reforms - including the release of some political prisoners.