United States President Barack Obama has called on the military regime in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) to free Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
In a message of best wishes for her 65th birthday on 19 June, Mr Obama hailed her determination, courage and personal sacrifice in working for human rights and democratic change.
Ms Suu Kyi has been held in detention for almost 15 years. She is currently under house arrest in Rangoon and is barred from running in elections later this year.
Her party, the National League for Democracy, won the last election in 1990 but was never allowed to take office.
Ms Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
The BBC reports NLD members plan to plant about 20,000 saplings around the country to mark her birthday.
