Obama welcomes release of 'hero' Aung San Suu Kyi

YOKOHAMA (JAPAN): US President Barack Obama welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday, calling her "a hero of mine" and saying it was time for the Myanmar junta to free all political prisoners.

"While the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma," he said in a statement.

"She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world," said Obama, using the country' former name.

"The United States welcomes her long overdue release," added the president, who is in Japan for a Pacific Rim summit. "It is time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners, not just one.