PM hails inspirational Suu Kyi (From Southend Standard)

PM hails inspirational Suu Kyi

2:50pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

David Cameron has hailed Aung San Suu Kyi as an inspiration as they met in Downing Street on her first visit to Britain in 24 years.

The Burmese pro-democracy leader's visit was "a great moment, that few expected and few dared to hope for", the Prime Minister said as they stood side by side at a Number 10 press conference.

"Over these years you have been a symbol of courage and of hope for our people and for your people and around the world," he said.

"Your example has inspired people across the world and it's inspired people here in Britain too. So it's an honour to have you here today, and in Parliament where you will speak shortly."

Mr Cameron said Britain would be a "staunch" supporter of Burma's steps towards democracy and confirmed that he had also invited President Thein Sein to visit the UK. "He too has shown considerable courage in leading the latest reforms," Mr Cameron added.

Mr Cameron defended his decision to invite Mr Sein to Britain, saying he believed the president was sincere in his commitment to reform.

Ms Suu Kyi said: "We don't want to be shackled by the past. We want to use the past to build up the future.

"It is far more difficult than the years before when we had to struggle. We are about to go forward on the most difficult road we have ever walked. We will decide whether we are going to make the breakthrough to democracy. More than ever we need our friends to be watchdogs. You have to watch what is going on in Burma."

Mr Cameron said Ms Suu Kyi was "absolutely right to warn now against reckless optimism" about the future of her country, adding: "We will remain vigorous and rigorous in our questioning until we have made those changes irreversible."

Britain would invest money and people in Burma's emerging democracy, he said, including a delegation of MPs and peers visiting the country next month to "scope the potential" for building the process.