"As it is prescribed in the constitution that 'the state shall be known as The Republic of the Union of Myanmar,' no one has the right to call [the country] Burma," the national election commission said.
"The present situation will have to be handled with delicacy and sensitivity and we need the cooperation of all people concerned to rebuild the peace that we want for our country," said Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar's opposition leader and Nobel laureate told the crowd of thousands, "Don't feel down, or weak. History is always changing," in response to many of the signs that said, "We want to go home."
"India welcomes Myanmar’s transition to democratic governance and the steps taken by the government of Myanmar toward a more broad-based and inclusive reconciliation process," said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
In recognition of the country's reforms over the past year, the Obama administration is also expected to name the US' first ambassador to Myanmar, also known as Burma, in 22 years.
Earlier this week, the European Union suspended a range of trade, economic and individual sanctions in response to the political and economic reforms taking place under President Thein Sein.
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