Rice: Happy 60th to Suu Kyi

The activist shown after her release from an earlier period of detention.

• Worldwide celebrations for Suu Kyi

• Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi

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(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has sent birthday greetings to Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who celebrates her 60th birthday still under house arrest.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was taken into custody in May 2003 after her motorcade was attacked by a pro-government mob in the country previously known as Burma.

The leader of the National League for Democracy has spent more than nine of the past 16 years under some form of arrest.

She was free for just one year, after her release from a 19-month period of house detention in May 2002.

"Please accept my warmest wishes to you on your 60th birthday. Your message of non-violence and courageous support for the establishment of democracy in Burma in the face of the junta's brutal repression and your continuing house arrest inspires people around the world," Rice wrote.

"The American people and I salute you on this special occasion, and reaffirm that the United States stands with you and all others in your struggle to free the Burmese people.

"We look forward to the day when you can celebrate your birthday in a democratic and free Burma where fundamental human rights are respected."

Activists around the world have sent birthday cards and protests have been staged to honor the activist.

Myanmar has been ruled by a military junta since 1962. Aung San Suu Kyi's party won a 1990 general election, but the military refused to accept the results of the vote.

The United Nations and Western countries have criticized the regime for its poor human rights record and failure to hand over power to a democratically elected government.

In December, the United States urged the government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.

Rice, who is in Jerusalem Sunday, has begun a weeklong trip through the Middle East and Europe.

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