Aung San Suu Kyi

Burmese pro democracy leader and Nobel Peace prize winner. A renowned advocate of non-violence and human rights who spent many years under house arrest.

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MYANMAR

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi begins landmark US visit

Monday, 17 September, 2012, 9:39am

Associated Press in Washington

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Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrives at Yangon airport to leave for the United States on Sunday. Photo: AP

Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be honoured in Washington this week and presented Congress’ highest award, the latest milestone in her remarkable journey from political prisoner to globe-trotting stateswoman.

The Nobel Peace laureate starts a 17-day US tour on Monday that will include meetings at the State Department and, likely, the White House. She then goes to New York, the American Midwest and California. The trip comes as the Obama administration considers easing its remaining sanctions on the country.

Suu Kyi was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008 while under house arrest.

Since her release in late 2010, Suu Kyi has transitioned from dissident to parliamentarian as Myanmar has shifted from five decades of repressive military rule.