YANGON, Myanmar, June 20 (UPI) -- Supporters of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 60th birthday with low-key events in Myanmar's capital, Yangon.
Security reportedly was tightened at Suu Kyi's home, where the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner has been under house arrest since May 2003, the BBC reported Sunday.
Members of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy Party gathered at their headquarters several miles away. There, monks in orange robes said prayers while supporters released colored balloons and doves in tribute to Suu Kyi, who has become a symbol of non-violent resistance to oppression.
A group of elderly Burmese politicians known as the Veteran Politicians Group called for the release of Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
Messages of good will were paid to Suu Kyi from around the world. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said people "look forward to the day when you can celebrate your birthday in a democratic and free Burma where fundamental human rights are respected."
The nation formerly known as Burma was renamed Myanmar by the military junta that took control in 1988 and has been in power since then.
