Myanmar ruling party's ousted chief meets with Suu Kyi

YANGON -- The former chairman of Myanmar's ruling party met Monday with Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the main opposition party, likely discussing a possible collaboration in November's general election.

     Meanwhile, members of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party met in the capital city of Naypyitaw, apparently to debate how to deal with parliamentary Speaker Shwe Mann, the party leader whom they ousted Thursday.

     The parliament resumes Tuesday, and many wonder whether Shwe Mann will attend. The ruling party claims it removed Shwe Mann as chairman to alleviate his responsibilities, but speculation abounds that he also will be sacked as speaker.

     Shwe Mann is looking to survive the fallout with the help of Suu Kyi, who leads the National League for Democracy. He supported Suu Kyi when she sought to amend the constitution. MOTOKAZU MATSUI, Nikkei staff writer