Reuters AlertNet Lite - Canada makes Myanmar's Suu Kyi an honorary citizen

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Canada makes Myanmar's Suu Kyi an honorary citizen

17 Oct 2007 19:46:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

OTTAWA, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Canadian lower chamber of Parliament on Wednesday granted honorary citizenship to Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent nearly 12 of the last 18 years in prison or under house arrest.

"She remains one of the leading forces in the continuing struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told legislators. Myanmar used to be known as Burma.

Suu Kyi is only the fourth person to receive Canadian honorary citizenship after South African leader Nelson Mandela, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and Sweden's Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of Jews in World War Two.

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a 1990 election victory only to be denied power by the army. Soldiers from Myanmar's military junta crushed monk-led demonstrations last month.

"The adoption of today's motion sends a message to her, her people, and the world, that Canada stands up for the universal values that are under siege in Burma today," said Harper.

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Last updated:Wed Oct 17 19:46:35 2007