More on Burma

Burma recently was approved for chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

The leadership of the Asean regional grouping rotates on an annual basis, but Burma was not allowed to take the top position last time because of its human rights record.

Some critics say it is still too early to award the high-profile role to Burma, where between 600 and 1,000 political prisoners are thought to remain behind bars.

Several political prisoners were released in October.

The country's continued detention of about 2,000 political prisoners is a crucial reason why Western nations maintain sanctions on Burma....

Speaking to the BBC shortly after his release, Zarganar was wary of his new-found freedom, describing it as conditional.

"If I do something wrong they will send me back. I'm not happy today because there are so many of my friends still in prison," he said.

Several hundred political prisoners remain behind bars, including some of the most high profile activists.

The BBC's analysis suggests that

The move is the latest in a series of developments that suggest the new military-backed government is taking some steps towards reform.

There is a very clear divide between those who look at the changes and say they are a first step, but do not go nearly far enough, and others who say they show that the Burmese government needs to be encouraged.

The BBC has excellent coverage of Burmese politics and the struggle for democracy.