Myanmar president pays UN tribute to Suu Kyi

Myanmar's President Thein Sein on Thursday made an unprecedented public tribute at the United Nations to opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi's "efforts for democracy." Thein Sein also said in a landmark speech to the UN General Assembly that he wants to "completely end" a long running war with ethnic rebels in Kachin state. Thein Sein, a former junta general now driving through speedy reforms in his impoverished state, spoke at the UN as Aung San Suu Kyi ended a triumphant tour of the United States which some feared could overshadow the president. But he told world leaders: "This week she is also in New York. As a Myanmar citizen I would like to congratulate her for the honors she has received in this country in recognition of her efforts for democracy." Less than two years ago, his comments would have been unthinkable. Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi spent 15 years under house arrest during the junta's rule. She was freed in November 2010 and is now a member of parliament pressing for domestic change as well as the lifting of international sanctions. The United States eased its trade sanctions on Wednesday. Thein Sein also told the UN assembly that he believes an end could be reached to conflict with Kachin rebels in the north of the country. The rebels have been fighting government forces since the independence of Myanmar, also known as Burma, in 1948. The president said agreement has been reached with 10 ethnic armed groups in the country and that peace negotiations will "continue to reach a final peace agreement that would completely end the armed hostilities." The government and the Kachin Independence Army have held several rounds of talks and Thein Sein said the two sides are "working to further strengthen confidence building measures. "We consider any loss of life and property from either side in the armed conflict as a loss for the country," he said, in comments which again highlighted the startling changes in Myanmar.