Aung San Suu Kyi's refusal to condemn attacks on Muslims in Myanmar has dimmed the Nobel laureate's lustre among global rights campaigners, but observers say her reticence will do her no harm with voters. Nearly a month after religious riots killed 43 people in central Myanmar, the former political prisoner turned lawmaker finally voiced sympathy for Muslims targeted by violence that saw mosques and homes razed.

Myanmar's long-silenced opposition on Sunday reappointed Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi as party leader at a landmark maiden congress, as it eyes victory in elections due in 2015. The former political prisoner, who entered parliament last year, was unanimously selected as chairwoman by her National League for Democracy's 120-member Central Committee, a party source told AFP. Hundreds of NLD members have gathered in Yangon for the conference in a display of political strength that would have been unthinkable under the junta.

Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition wraps up its historic first congress Sunday, finalising its leadership line-up as it faces infighting that has overshadowed the launch of its bid to rule Myanmar after 2015 polls. Hundreds of National League for Democracy (NLD) members have gathered in Yangon for the conference in a display of political strength that would have been unthinkable under the former junta. But the meeting also revealed the challenges facing the party in the run up to elections widely predicted to see them take power.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said Tuesday he hoped to see a "truly free" Myanmar as he met fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi during a visit to the former junta-ruled nation. The anti-apartheid campaigner said he was "thrilled" to meet Suu Kyi for private talks at the lakeside mansion in Yangon where the Myanmar activist was locked up for years during her more than two-decade struggle for democracy. "It is wonderful to be here and to see her. We are looking forward to seeing your country truly free," he told reporters gathered at the residence.