Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says underlying ethnic tensions in Myanmar must be addressed in order for the country to move forward.

During a debate at the London School of Economics, Suu Kyi says that there can be no peace for Myanmar until her country amends its constitution to be inclusive of minority rights.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI, SAYING:

"Unless we amend the constitution to harmonise with the aspirations of all of the people in our country we will never be able to bring about the kind of unity and peace that we all desire. So it all comes down to rule of law."

An audience member also questioned Suu Kyi on why she had not condemned military incursions into minority areas.

Suu Kyi said the fighting was not just taking place on one side, and that it was difficult to attribute blame without the presence of international observers.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI, SAYING:

"Resolving conflict is not about condemnation, it is about finding out the roots, the causes of the conflict. And finding out how it can be resolved in the best way possible."

The pro-democracy leader will be in the UK for four days, where she will meet members of the British royal family and address the UK parliament.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters