SINGAPORE — Myanmar's military junta defended its prosecution of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying today she is not above the law and warning other countries not to meddle in its internal affairs.

The comments by Deputy Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Aye Myint marked the first time a top official from the reclusive regime has publicly defended its actions, which have drawn widespread international condemnation, including from its closest neighbors in Southeast Asia.

The junta has charged Suu Kyi with violating the terms of her house arrest by sheltering American John W. Yettaw after he secretly swam to her lakeside residence in early May.

SAUDI MURDERER BEHEADED, CRUCIFIED

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi authorities beheaded and crucified a man convicted of slaying an 11-year-old boy and his father, the Interior Ministry announced.

According to the statement issued by the ministry Friday, shop owner Ahmed al-Anzi molested the boy and then strangled him. He then stabbed the boy's father to death when the man came looking for his son and hid both bodies in his shop.

Al-Anzi had previously been convicted of sodomy and owning pornographic films, a crime in Saudi Arabia.

KOBAYASHI WINS LATEST EATING CONTEST

CULVER CITY, Calif. — Takeru Kobayashi outlasted Joey Chestnut when the eating titans faced off to see who could eat the most pizzas.

Kobayashi, a world hot dog eating champion from Japan, ate 5 3/4 P'zones — Pizza Hut's calzone-like creation that weighs more than a pound — in six minutes yesterday to beat Chestnut, who wolfed down 5 1/2 P'zones.

The rivals are known for their Fourth of July hot dog eating showdowns on Coney Island, which Chestnut has won the past two years.