What we saw here today were scenes of extraordinary, unforgettable pleasure, but no one knows what comes next. Aung San Suu Kyi phrased her new policy with deliberate vagueness when she talked about people working together to achieve their goals.
Working with the opposition leaders who felt she was wrong to
opt out of
last week's elections - certainly. But working with the generals who run this country and have kept her prisoner so long - that's going to be very hard indeed.
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and called on the Burmese military government to set free all its political prisoners. President Obama said Aung San Suu Kyi was one of his heroes. The British Prime Minister David Cameron said she was an inspiration for all who believe in freedom of speech, democracy and human rights. The head of the Asian regional grouping Asean, Surin Pitsuswan, said he was very, very relieved that Ms Suu Kyi had been released. The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Ms Suu Kyi must now be allowed to participate fully in Burma's political process.
World News from the BBC
The BBC has learnt that the Republic of Ireland has been holding preliminary talks about possible financial support from the European Union for its
battered
economy. The move comes amid mounting concern about the Dublin government's ability to service its huge debts. The BBC business correspondent says it's no longer a matter of if but when Ireland formally seeks help from its eurozone partners, although the Irish government says no such talks are taking place.