World leaders applauded the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi today, calling her a human rights hero and urging the country's ruling junta to free more political prisoners.
Ms Suu Kyi (65), has spent 15 of the past 21 years in detention because of her opposition to 48 years of military rule in Burma and her house arrest was extended in August last year.
"She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world," US president Barack Obama said.
British prime minister David Cameron said her long detention was a "travesty" and her release "long overdue", while German chancellor Angela Merkel described her as symbol of the global fight for human rights.
"Her non-violence and relentlessness have turned her into a much-admired role model," Ms Merkel said.
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said her dignity and courage were an inspiration to people around the world and cautioned Burma’s military leadership against imposing further restrictions on her, a theme echoed by France's Nicolas Sarkozy.
"France will pay very close attention to the conditions in which Aung San Suu Kyi enjoys her newfound freedom. Any obstacle to her freedom of movement or expression would constitute a new and unacceptable denial of her rights," the French president said.
"It is now crucial that Aung San Suu Kyi has unrestricted freedom of movement and speech and can participate fully in her country's political process," European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said.
President Mary McAleese said Ms Suu Kyi had shown “remarkable courage and resilience” throughout her detention and had been a beacon of hope for the Burmese people.
The United States first imposed sanctions against Burma in 1988 after the junta cracked down on student-led protests and has gradually tightened them over the years, with Mr Obama extending them in May.
The European Union adopted a common sanctions stance in 1996, and countries including Australia, Canada and Japan also have restrictions in place.