BURMA'S pro-democracy figurehead, Aung San Suu Kyi, has paid a flying visit to Ireland this week where she was serenaded by thousands of onlookers in Dublin's Grand Canal Square.
The former political prisoner, who was forced to remain under house arrest in Burma for almost two decades by the country's ruling military junta, spent seven hours in Dublin on Tuesday before jetting off to Britain for further engagements on her European tour.
The Nobel Peace laureate also turned 67 on Monday, and at a special ceremony at Grand Canal Square, where she was given the Freedom of the City, crowds sang "Happy Birthday" to her visible delight.
Ms. Suu Kyi had originally been granted the Freedom of Dublin 12 years ago, during her incarceration, and received the honor during her visit while also being given an honorary degree from Trinity College.
Meanwhile, U2 frontman Bono presented her with Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award during a concert performed in her honor at the Board Gais Energy Theatre.
Bono, himself a human-rights campaigner, told the Burmese icon: "We are humbled, grateful at the fact for one of your first trips overseas, you have chosen a small rock in the North Atlantic...we know there are many other places you could be and we understand the signal your presence here sends out and we are humbled, we are grateful."
Ms. Suu Kyi, who also had a private meeting with President Michael D. Higgins at Aras An Uachtarin, told the crowd: "To receive this award is to remind me that 24 years ago I took on duties from which I have never been relieved.
"But you have given me the strength to carry them out. You have shown me that I shall never be alone as I go about my discharge of these duties."
Earlier at the Grand Canal Square gahtering, she told well wishers: "This will be one of the unforgettable days of my life. I've been welcomed to Ireland as though I belong to you, and I thank you with all my heart."
