On September 17th the government of Myanmar released 514 prisoners, having already released thousands over the past year or more. Nearly 90 of the new releases are thought to be political prisoners, on top of 500-odd already released.
Like several other measures that the president, Thein Sein, has taken since coming to power in March 2011, the move is designed to appeal mainly to a Western audience. He and his fellow reformers badly need Western, and particularly American, help to rebuild the country’s shattered economy after decades of isolation. A visit to America on September 24th for the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly provides a chance to solicit help. On September 19th his American ban on travel beyond the UN was lifted. Mr Thein Sein may meet the secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, and even President Barack Obama. His chief request will be lifting the remaining American sanctions on Myanmar.
In particular, he will seek an end to America’s import ban on all Burmese products. That will be vital to reviving the decrepit economy, in particular its garment-making. Yet as recently as July 18th the Senate Finance Committee recommended the ban be extended for a further three years, saying pressure must be maintained so that Myanmar continues to reform.
Fortunately for Mr Thein Sein, a slightly more famous Burmese politician may be willing to help in America. On September 17th Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel peace laureate and newly minted MP, started her first American visit for more than two decades mostly spent under house arrest. Although most Americans would be hard-pressed to name, let alone recognise, Mr Thein Sein, Ms Suu Kyi is a star, feted by people of all political stripes. On September 19th she was given the Congressional Gold Medal, America’s highest civilian honour. Despite their obvious political differences, Ms Suu Kyi and the president appear to be working together to put Myanmar back on its feet. It is her views on sanctions that carry weight, and she is also calling for them to be lifted.
Critics point out that some political detainees remain in jails. Many of those released are denied passports, education and freedom from monitoring. The president has much to do to convince the world that he is committed to the full transformation of his country. But he has made a surprisingly hopeful start
