November’s decision by Burma’s National League for Democracy (NLD) to end its boycott of the political process in the country signalled the beginning of a return to more normal relations with the outside world. The move was quickly followed by a visit to the country from the US secretary of state, Hilary Clinton, who met NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi and promised that the USA would support further democratic reform. “We will match action for action. And if there is enough progress, obviously we will be considering lifting sanctions,” Clinton said. She urged the government to release more political prisoners and to stop violent campaigns against the ethnic minorities.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also announced his intention to visit the country, and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed that Burma can chair the organisation in 2014. The ASEAN connection could help the country to liberalise its economy and expand its trade links with neighbouring states.
Recent government concessions have included giving workers the right to strike, for the first time in decades, and allowing them to stage peaceful protests. In September, Internet users were able to see previously banned websites, such as those of the BBC and exiled media organisations like the Democratic Voice of Burma. In December, the government eased restrictions on some publications, although news media would continue to be subject to pre-publication censorship. Several prominent journalists are among the country’s remaining 2,000 political prisoners.
The NLD boycotted the elections held last year, but Aung San Suu Kyi, who was freed from house arrest in 2010, has confirmed that she will run for parliament in the next elections due in early 2012.
