Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of an uprising of pro-democracy supporters on August 8, 1988 that was suppressed by the army.

Myanmar's ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) says several dozen police and civilians died in the unrest. Opposition groups say thousands were killed.

A government spokesman, speaking to Reuters by telephone from Yangon, said the authorities did not know what Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) would try to do to mark the anniversary, but added that they did not expect much trouble.

He said it could be dangerous for Suu Kyi to try to travel to see her supporters outside the capital.

``I think it would be very unwise,'' said the spokesman.

He said the country had many ``shady groups'' that posed a threat to the country's security and to figureslike Suu Kyi.

Asked if Suu Kyi would be allowed to leave Yangon to visit her supporters on Saturday or any other time, he said, ``She will first have to request (permission) and it will be given serious consideration. But we will have to be very careful about the places that she goes.''