Aung San Suu Kyi Starts Three-Week U.S. Visit

September 17, 2012

Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has arrived in Washington for a three-week tour of the United States.

The Nobel laureate is expected to receive a hero's welcome in the country, which has long rallied behind her cause.

She is scheduled to meet on September 18 with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The following day she is due to receive the Congressional Gold Medal -- one of the highest awards for civilians in the United States.

The White House has not said whether President Barack Obama would meet with Suu Kyi.

Her visit comes as Washington considers an easing of remaining sanctions against Burma (also known as Myanmar) in response to democratic reform after five decades of military rule.

On September 17, Myanmar announced it is releasing more than 500 prisoners under an amnesty, including political prisoners.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/aung-san-suu-kyi-starts-us-visit/24711355.html

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