adorned in diamonds

Burma is rich in natural resources, yet one of the poorest countries in the world. Very little of the revenue goes to the people. Instead, the funds are keeping the country's military leaders in a life of luxury. Kate Woodsome at VOA's Asia News News Center in Hong Kong explains how Burma's money is being spent.

Burmese citizens were shocked when a video of the wedding of Senior General Than Shwe's daughter found its way into public markets and onto the Internet last year. The video shows a portly bride adorned in diamonds and emeralds. Military police are shown escorting wedding guests out of luxury vehicles into a banquet hall decorated with grand bouquets, tray after tray of delicacies, and a five-tiered wedding cake.

Min Zaw Oo, a Burmese activist now living in Washington, says it was the first time the general population saw the stark difference between the people and their leaders.

"In Burmese culture, Burmese expect their leaders to sacrifice. So when they see a leader of the regime