Suu Kyi Wants To Run For Burmese Presidency

Aung San Suu Kyi (file photo)

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says she intends to run for the presidency in elections due to be held in 2015.

Suu Kyi made the announcement in an address to the World Economic Forum on East Asia in the capital, Naypyidaw.

She called for the amendment of the military-drafted constitution, which prevents her from becoming president.

The constitution blocks anyone whose spouse or children are overseas citizens from leading the country.

Suu Kyi's two sons with her late husband are British.

The clause is widely believed to be targeted at the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Suu Kyi was held under house arrest by the country's former military rulers for a total of 15 years. She and her party now have wide popularity in Burma, which is also known as Myanmar.

Based on reporting by dpa and AFP