Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi to visit US
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New York - Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will kick off a five-city tour of the United States beginning Tuesday in Washington where she is expected to be honoured with the US Congressional Gold Medal for her life-long struggle for democracy in Myanmar.
The Asia Society and Institute of Peace in Washington will co-host Suu Kyi's first public event in the United States and present her with its Global Vision Award.
"The circumstances of her visit are quite extraordinary," said Suzanne DiMaggio, a vice president of the society. "No one could have imagined she would return to the US as an elected member of Burma's Parliament." Burma, the original name of the country now known as Myanmar, is still the preferred name for many Burmese scattered around the world.
Suu Kyi will receive the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in the US Capitol on Wednesday and meet with members of the Burmese community in Washington on Thursday before going to New York.//DPA
