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Aung San Suu Kyi Receives Medal, to Meet Obama

September 19, 2012

by VOA News

Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

She received in person the medal awarded her in 2008 while she was in detention imposed on her by the former military regime in her homeland.

Aung San Suu Kyi thanked the United States for years of support to the democratic movement in Burma under the military relationship. She expressed cautious optimism that her country is now on the path to freedom and democracy. ​​

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Laura Bush and leading U.S. lawmakers praised Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage and perseverance during some 14 years of detention.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi remarked that her presence in the United States after years of detention in Burma is remarkable and a sign of improvements in her country.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the Nobel Laureate has done much for the cause of democratic reform and human rights around the world.

Aung San Suu Kyi will meet privately with President Barack Obama later Wednesday. White House spokesman Jay Carney says the president is looking forward to the visit.

"It provides another opportunity to reaffirm our longstanding support for her struggle and the struggle of many others towards a democratic, just and transparent governance in Burma," Carney said.

Tuesday, Aung San Suu Kyi said she fully supports easing the remaining U.S. economic sanctions against Burma, but warned the path to her nation's democratic future will not be irreversible until the army voices full support for the reform process.

She also credited President Thein Sein, a former general, for launching democratic reforms in Burma after taking office last year.

Aung San Suu Kyi arrived Monday for a 17-day visit that marks her first to America since her 2010 release from military detention. Part of her trip overlaps with next week's visit by President Thein Sein, who will address the U.N. General Assembly.

Other stops on her visit include the states of California, New York and Indiana. Fort Wayne, Indiana is home to one of the country's largest Burmese-American communities.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.