Chokchai S.

Timeline: Reforms in Burma

Analysts agree that the political opening in Burma has gathered pace over recent years. Here is a timeline of key developments.

2010

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has enjoyed greater physical and political freedoms

November The main military-backed party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), claims a resounding victory in the first elections for 20 years. Opposition groups allege widespread fraud and many Western countries condemn the vote as a sham. The junta says it marks the transition from military rule to a civilian democracy.
A week after the election, Aung San Suu Kyi - who had been prevented from taking part - is released from house arrest.

2011

January The government authorises internet connection for Aung San Suu Kyi.
March Thein Sein is sworn in as president of a nominally civilian government and the transfer of powers to the new government is complete.
May The new government frees thousands of prisoners under an amnesty, but few political prisoners are among them and the move is dismissed by one rights group as "pathetic".
August Aung San Suu Kyi is allowed to leave Rangoon on a political visit; days later she meets President Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw.
September President Thein Sein suspends construction of controversial Chinese-funded Myitsone hydroelectric dam, in move seen as showing greater openness to public opinion.
October More than 200 political prisoners are freed as part of a general amnesty. New labour laws allowing unions are passed.
November The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) agrees that Burma will chair the grouping in 2014. Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says she will stand for election to parliament, as her party rejoins the political process.

Hundreds of political prisoners have been freed as Burma pushes ahead with reforms

December US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits, meets Aung San Suu Kyi and holds talks with President Thein Sein. The US offers to improve relations if democratic reforms continue.
President Thein Sein signs a law allowing peaceful demonstrations for the first time. The NLD re-registers as a political party in advance of by-elections for parliament due to be held early in 2012.
Burmese authorities agree a truce deal with rebels of Shan ethnic group and orders the military to stop operations against ethnic Kachin rebels.

2012

January The government signs a ceasefire with rebels of Karen ethnic group.
A day later, hundreds of prisoners are released - among them the country's most prominent political prisoners, including veterans of the 1988 student protest movement, monks involved in the 2007 demonstrations and activists from many ethnic minority groups.