Suu Kyi to pick up US Congress medal

US politicians are setting aside party differences as they honour Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi with Congress’s highest award.

The Nobel Peace laureate’s struggle against military rule in Burma is one that Democrats and Republicans have united in championing over the years.

Her landmark visit to America offers a poignant opportunity to present the Congressional Gold Medal that she was awarded in absentia in 2008 when she was still under house arrest in her country.

She will receive the medal in Washington today and will also meet House and Senate leaders.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also attend the ceremony, to be held in the Capitol Rotunda.