Myanmar's Suu Kyi mediates mine dispute

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has offered to mediate a dispute involving both villagers and monks who jointly opposed to a Chinese-backed copper mine in the country's northwest.

She made the offer Thursday as she visited the mine, hours after police used water cannons, tear gas and smoke bombs to drive away hundreds of protesters who had occupied the area for 11 days.

Suu Kyi responded to a question about the controversial Monywa Latpadaung copper mining project by saying “if we unilaterally break off ongoing projects with foreign firms we stand to lose international trust”.

Suu Kyi’s comments came after Myanmar’s Defense Minister Lt Gen Wai Lwin warned at the 5th session of the Lower House of Parliament on Friday that the influx of foreign direct investment would be deterred if contracts with foreign firms were cancelled and promises broken.

Suu Kyi said that “contracts have been signed on the Latpadaung copper mining project. If unilaterally canceled, compensation must be made. If Myanmar wants to stand up as a commensurate country within the international community, it must keep its promises.”

"I already met one side. I met with mine operators. I want to meet with villagers and protesters," she said. "I want to negotiate hearing from both sides.

A monk said at least 20 other monks suffered burns during the police operation and had to be hospitalized.