Suu Kyi tests freedom with visit

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BAGO, Myanmar, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Thousands of well-wishers turned out to greet Nobel laureate and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi when she visited Bago, officials said.

Sunday's visit is the first time Suu Kyi has traveled outside Myanmar's main city since being released from house arrest in November, CNN reported.

"We hope that this trip will be peaceful, and we plan to have more trips in the future," said Nyan Win, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi's political party.

Suu Kyi has been held in some form of detention for most of the past 20 years, CNN said. Myanmar's government released her from house arrest in November.

"I'm very happy to see you all again," Suu Kyi said.

In an address to U.S. lawmakers via a video link in June, Suu Kyi asked Congress to help enforce a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution calling for the release of political prisoners.

Political analysts said the trip to Bago was a test of her freedom.

"I think it is quite a low key trip, seeing that she didn't make any provoking speeches during this trip at all," said Myanmar political analyst Aung Saw. "And at certain level the government has given some kind of safety assistance to her during this trip."