NPR News 2010-11-14 加文本

NPR News 2010-11-14

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Gibboni.

Freedom today for pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, the former Burma. Seven and a half years ago, Suu Kyi was sentenced to house arrest. Today, at the age of 65, her sentence, which had been extended three times, expired. Back in 1995, emerging from an initial period of arrest, she told a BBC interviewer:

"This is not yet the end. There's a long way to go and the way might be very very hard. So, please standby, don't think this is the end, don't think that we're there home and dry. We've got a long way to go yet."

Now with her freedom, thousands are rallying for her. NPR’s Scott Horsley reports, however, that President Obama says Myanmar still has a long way to go.

President Obama calls the democracy activist a personal hero and said the US welcomes her "long overdue" release. While traveling in Asia this week, Mr. Obama has repeatedly called on Burma's military rulers to free Suu Kyi along with all other political prisoners. He complains the opposition Suu Kyi represents has been systematically denied a chance to challenge the Burmese government.

"Last week's election in Burma was neither free, nor fair. And we will continue our efforts to move Burma toward democatic reform and protection of human rights."

Suu Kyi has spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention. Mr. Obama calls her story an inspiration for human rights advocates around the world.

Scott Horsley, NPR News, traveling with the president.