“In many respects, it’s the culmination of an effort that we’ve been part
of for some time now,” Mr Crowley said.
“The notion to have her here in the US Capitol, in the Rotunda, receiving
the highest award that Congress can give on the heels of her spending a
decade and a half under house arrest is just remarkable,” he said.
“It just reiterates again that by perseverance and fortitude, anything is
possible,” he said.
Mr Crowley said, however, that Burma was “not where we want to be”
on democracy and human rights. The United States has repeatedly voiced
concern over the treatment of minority groups including Rohingya Muslims.
In hopes of encouraging reform, Obama in July suspended sanctions to allow US
investment in Burma, despite Ms Suu Kyi’s concerns about doing business with
the state-owned oil and gas company which has been widely accused of labour
violations.
As Suu Kyi was flying into Washington, Burma’s state media announced the
release of another 514 inmates.
Source: AFP
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