Aung San Suu Kyi addresses parliament
- 12 years ago
Only the second woman after Queen Elizabeth II to address both Houses of Parliament, Aung San Suu Kyi uses the rare honor to call on the British people to help bring democracy to Myanmar.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) AUNG SAN SUU KYI, MYANMAR PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER, SAYING:
"I am here, in part, to ask for practical help, help as a friend and an equal, in support of the reforms which can bring better lives, greater opportunities to the people of Burma who have been, for so long, deprived of their rights and their place in the world."
The Nobel Laureate - who refers to Myanmar as Burma - spent 15 years under house arrest - before she was released two years ago.
Suu Kyi said despite recent political reforms in Myanmar - more needs to be done.
Earlier in the day - British Prime Minister David Cameron offered his support and said Myanmar's President Thein Sein would travel to London for talks on reform.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, SAYING:
"Britain will remain staunch in its support, just as we have been during the long period of darkness through which you and your people have lived through."
Suu Kyi - who was sworn into Myanmar's parliament last month - said she supported the visit.
During her day in London, the 67-year-old also met with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
She is currently on a 17-day European tour.
Sarah Irwin, Reuters.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) AUNG SAN SUU KYI, MYANMAR PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER, SAYING:
"I am here, in part, to ask for practical help, help as a friend and an equal, in support of the reforms which can bring better lives, greater opportunities to the people of Burma who have been, for so long, deprived of their rights and their place in the world."
The Nobel Laureate - who refers to Myanmar as Burma - spent 15 years under house arrest - before she was released two years ago.
Suu Kyi said despite recent political reforms in Myanmar - more needs to be done.
Earlier in the day - British Prime Minister David Cameron offered his support and said Myanmar's President Thein Sein would travel to London for talks on reform.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON, SAYING:
"Britain will remain staunch in its support, just as we have been during the long period of darkness through which you and your people have lived through."
Suu Kyi - who was sworn into Myanmar's parliament last month - said she supported the visit.
During her day in London, the 67-year-old also met with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
She is currently on a 17-day European tour.
Sarah Irwin, Reuters.