The Burmese opposition leader arrived in France on Tuesday June 26 to a hero’s reception.

The Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi today June 28 ends her three-day visit to France. It is the last lap of her historic tour of Europe during which she was celebrated by her hosts. She arrived in Paris by train from London on Tuesday June 26 before heading to the Elysée Presidential Palace for dinner and a press conference with President François Hollande.

Speaking later, President Hollande promised to do everything to support Burma’s transition to democracy. He said his government would work with the European Union towards full and total democracy in Burma, the BBC said. On her part, Aung San Suu Kyi spoke of the future, saying she did not want to be shackled by the past. She said she did not bear grudges towards her country’s military rulers.

Radio France Internationale, RFI reported that just like in England last week, the Burmese opposition leader was accorded treatment usually reserved for Heads of State – in recognition of her relentless fight for democracy in her homeland. The rest of the trip entailed visits to the French National Assembly, Senate and the Paris City Council where she was made an honorary citizen of Paris. She was also due to give a lecture at the famous University of Sorbonne in Paris.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s first overseas trip in 24 years since returning home from Britain also took her to Switzerland, Norway, Ireland and Britain. The most memorable moments of the tour were the hand over of her Nobel Peace in Oslo on June 16. She was awarded the prize 21 years ago for her fight for human rights in Burma but could not receive it as a result of restrictions from her country’s military rulers.

In Britain, she was received by Prime Minister David Cameron, the Royal Family and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy, PhD degree in Public Law by her alma mater, the University of Oxford. She also addressed the two Houses of Parliament, an honour usually reserved for Heads of State.