Suu Kyi's release welcomed cautiously

Suu Kyi's release welcomed cautiously

YANGON - World leaders are welcoming Myanmar's release of democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi (ahng sahn soo chee) but are also calling it a reminder that the country's military government still has a long way to go in restoring human rights.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised Suu Kyi for her "dignity and courage in the face of injustice." Calling her a hero, President Barack Obama said Suu Kyi represents a political opposition that "has been systematically silenced, incarcerated, and deprived of any opportunity to engage in political processes."

Amnesty International estimates that more than 2,200 political prisoners remain jailed by the military junta.

British Prime Minister David Cameron calls Nobel Peace Prize laureate an inspiration for all "who believe in freedom of speech, democracy and human rights."

One exiled dissident says Suu Kyi's release could prove pivotal in revitalizing and reorganizing Myanmar's opposition.

Her international counsel is sounding a note of caution. He points out that she's been released three times before and nothing fundamentally changed in the country. - AP

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