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21 June 2012| last updated at 10:42AM

Suu Kyi seeks help to build Myanmar



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LONDON: Citing recent changes in Myanmar, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday cautioned that "too many people are expecting too much" from her country and sought the help of the international community and her alma mater to build the road ahead "inch by difficult inch".

Addressing the Oxford University at the traditional ceremony Encaenia in which Suu Kyi and eight others were honoured with honorary doctorates, she appealed for help to build the road ahead "inch by difficult inch", Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.   

She said that "too many people are expecting too much" from her country.   

Describing the day in Oxford as "moving", Suu Kyi was awarded the honorary doctorate in Civil Law.

Suu Kyi, who turned 67 Tuesday, was described by Chancellor Chris Patten as a "star shining in the east, the light of her countrymen," and given a prolonged standing ovation.   

Reiterating her appeal for help with the provision that any form of investment in the country needed to be "democracy-friendly and human rights-friendly", Suu Kyi said her people wanted Myanmar to become like "a bit of Oxford-ian Shangri La".   

"The saddest part in recent times has been a lack of campus life in my country. Our young people have not had the freedom of campus life. I would like the University of Oxford to help restore campus life," she said.   

Recalling her days in Oxford, which she considered her home after studying and living there with her family, Suu Kyi said the "precious memories" provided her with the inner resource to face the challenges in the last 24 years.  

Admitting her to the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law, the chancellor described her as "unbowed champion of liberty, who have given your people and the whole world an example of courage and endurance".   

There was some irony in the ceremony honouring her: Suu Kyi, who studied at the St Hugh's College in Oxford, left in 1967 with a third-class degree in philosophy, politics and economics.   

Suu Kyi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister David Cameron, Foreign secretary William Hague, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall on Thursday.

She will address parliament in the Westminster Palace on Thursday afternoon. -- BERNAMA

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