Myanmar panel says Suu Kyi can run for parliament

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's Election Commission on Monday gave opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the green light to run for parliamentary by-elections, another step toward greater political openness in the country.

Suu Kyi announced her intention last month to run in the April elections but was waiting for official approval from the commission, which said it had to scrutinize her eligibility.

A spokesman for Suu Kyi's party said the commission approved her candidacy. "There is no objection to her nomination, and we can say that her candidacy is officially accepted," Nyan Win said.