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People in Burma could buy newspaper from private news company on Monday for first time in 50 years. Burma's government has allowed printing of 16 newspapers, although only four were ready for first day of sale. Burmese military took control of press and news it published in 1964. From then until Sunday, government controlled what news people read. Life was made impossible for journalists from free press. The government tortured and imprisoned many reporters who broke rules. Burma is also allowing international news agencies to work in country. Associated Press became first when its six staff opened for business on Saturday.

re-introduction of private newspapers comes on first anniversary of election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament. She has been strong supporter of bringing back free press to Burma. Her political party, National League for Democracy, will start printing its own daily newspaper later this month. editor of "Voice Daily" newspaper thinks private newspapers will be better than government ones. He said: "I can say with absolute confidence that we can compete with government papers in terms of content and quality of news." He added: "I am very excited that we are finally printing daily editions. It is dream come true." "Voice Daily" printed its first edition on Monday.