White House (AP) As Myanmar deals with the aftermath of a killer cyclone, president Bush today signs a measure awarding the congressional gold medal to that country's leading dissident.

Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest even though she won the Nobel peace prize, and, in the view of most, the last election.

First Lady Laura Bush says the people of Myanmar, also known as Burma, will now hear from foreign radio broadcasts of the new honor, and America's offer of disaster relief. She's urging the country's ruling junta to accept the aid.

She also says they should call off a referendum on a new constitution that critics say will strengthen the generals' grip on power. Mrs. Bush says they have been inept and brutal rulers, and a botched cyclone response is just the latest example.