PARIS, JAN 13 (AP/UNB) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office says he has decided to give France's highest award - the Legion of Honor - to Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Sarkozy's office said he spoke with Suu Kyi by phone. He praised the Myanmar government's release of hundreds of detainees on Friday, including some of the country's famous political prisoners.

Sarkozy hailed Suu Kyi's "political courage" and expressed support for the Myanmar junta's recent reforms. He also said France expects that legislative elections planned April 1 in Myanmar will be free
and transparent.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe will be charged with giving Suu Kyi the Legion of Honor award during his trip to Myanmar on Sunday and Monday.