News from Berlin - Today sees German President Joachim Gauck and his wife Daniela Schadt meet the Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Schloss Bellevue, Berlin. This is her first visit to Germany since she was released from house arrest in 2010. Gauck and Aung San Suu Kyi first met during the former’s visit to Burma in February of this year.

Earlier, she also met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel, who has a lot of respect for the Burmese opposition leader, stated: “today we have a woman as our guest that showed courage not many possess in fighting and standing up for freedom, democracy, and human rights”.

Also planned are meetings with foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) and Robert Lammert (CDU). Discussed will be the current situation in Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi’s plans to run for President during elections to be held next year.

On Friday, she will receive the SPD’s International Willy Brandt Prize for her peaceful efforts in promoting democracy, and on Saturday she will meet with Klaus Wowereit, Berlin’s Mayor.

News from Berlin - Berlin Global