Myanmar Leader Praises Suu Kyi at UN Myanmar's president is paying tribute to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in his address to the U.N. General Assembly, saying his country has taken irreversible steps toward democracy. President Thein Sein says the country also known as Burma is leaving behind five decades of authoritarian rule. It was the first time a Myanmar leader has mentioned Suu Kyi in a speech at the world body. The speech was broadcast live on Myanmar state television, also unprecedented. Thein Sein, a former general who has orchestrated the political opening, congratulated the Nobel laureate for the honors she has received during her current trip to the U.S. for her efforts for democracy. The U.S. Congress last week presented her its highest award.