Govt 23 Sept freed country’s longest- serving political prisoner, Win Tin, after 19-year imprisonment, along with at least 6 other political prisoners, including 3 elected MPs. Opposition NLD party received news of release with caution, noted significant number of political prisoners remaining. Following 11 Sept UNSC briefing by envoy Ibrahim Gambari on Aug mission to country, UNSG Ban said he shared general frustration over lack of political progress in Myanmar. Group of Friends 27 Sept reiterated support for Gambari’s good offices mission. Refugees International 5 Sept noted marked improvements in post-cyclone Nargis humanitarian access.

UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari made 5-day visit to country 18 Aug, but failed to secure meetings with either Gen. Than Shwe or Aung San Suu Kyi, calling efficacy of UN effort into question. Suu Kyi supporters claim she refused visit, began hunger strike over lack of progress. Separate visit made 4 Aug by new UN rapporteur on human rights Quintana. Indonesian parliament lifted block on appointment of ambassadors between countries but invited 4 NLD reps to Indonesian president’s independence day address.

Tripartite Core Group presented report at ASEAN FMs summit 20-21 July: estimated post-cyclone recovery costs at $1b. UN OCHA head 22 July said relief operations progressing but aid needed in remote areas. ASEAN FMs said Aung San Suu Kyi’s continued detention “deep disappointment”. 15 July bus bombing outside Yangon reportedly killed 1. U.S. hardened sanctions 29 July, targeting military control over precious stones.

Humanitarian access to country reportedly improved in month, after May cyclone left 84,537 dead, 53,836 missing. At Asia Security Summit 1 June, U.S. Defense Secretary Gates accused government of “criminal neglect” for visa restrictions on foreign aid workers, reports of forcible relocation of typhoon displaced. But UN later cited improved cooperation after ASEAN diplomatic efforts yielded joint ASEAN- UN-Myanmar assessment team visit to disaster-affected areas 11-20 June; full report due 20 July. 12 NLD (National League of Democracy) members detained at protest outside leader Suu Kyi’s house 19 June. Daewoo-led consortium said 23 June deal reached to sell Burmese natural gas to China.

Massive cyclone struck Yangon city and Irrawaddy Delta 2 May. Latest death toll 78,000, another 56,000 missing, UN estimated 2.4m at risk. Govt initially refused aid workers entry stating 9 May preferred “relief in cash and kind” prompting international outcry; govt deported Qatari rescue team 8 May and impounded 2 UN food aid shipments at Yangon airport 9 May. Govt claimed entry constraints relaxed 12 May allowing first delivery of U.S. aid; requested assistance 14 May from Asian countries. UNSG Ban Ki-moon met Senior General Than Shwe 24 May, winning promise of full access for foreign aid workers; donors pledged 25 May almost $50m in aid, although contingent on access. Despite devastation, govt held constitutional referendum in non-affected areas 10 May, affected areas 24 May, reporting 92.48% approval in 98.1% turnout. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest extended 27 May; 20 NLD protesters arrested near home.

Opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) claimed massive voter intimidation ahead of 10 May constitutional referendum. Campaigning against constitution forbidden, but NLD encouraging “no” vote after deciding against boycott U.S. efforts to obtain UNSC statement condemning referendum blocked by China, Russia, Indonesia. 2 minor explosions in Yangon 20 Apr; govt blamed exiled opposition group. EU ministers extended sanctions, arms embargo by 1 year 29 Apr.

UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari 18 March told UNSC his 6-10 March visit yielded “no tangible results”. Gambari met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi but not military chief Than Shwe, while government rejected call for international monitoring of May constitutional referendum. Gen. Shwe gave rare public speech 27 March, claiming would hand over power to victors of planned 2010 elections. Visit by Thai PM Samak 14 March focused on trade and cooperation, noting democracy an internal matter. “Generation 88” group called on voters to reject constitution in May referendum. All Burma Monks Alliance called 19 March for nationwide student boycott of state-run exams.

Government announced May referendum on new constitution 8 Feb, culmination of 14-year process; document not yet public. Referendum would allow for 2010 “multiparty democratic elections”, but opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi barred from contesting ostensibly because she married a foreigner. UNSG Ban Ki-moon urged government to include opposition, while Special Envoy Gambari continued regional consultations; said Suu Kyi priority for discussions in planned early-March visit. Jakarta broke regional ranks 21 Feb when Indonesian FM called for consultation with minorities on charter in advance of referendum. Pado Mahn Shar, leader of Karen National Union, shot dead at home in Mae Sot.

Foreign Minister U Nyan Win met Indian PM Singh and FM Mukherjee in 3 Jan Delhi talks; India reportedly stressed internal reform and reconciliation. Aung San Suu Kyi met minister Aung Kyi 11 Jan in first disclosed meeting since 19 Nov. 4 explosions reported around country beginning with 11 Jan blast at Naypyidaw train station; state media blamed ethnic Karen “terrorists” and alleged foreign involvement. UNSC issued press statement 17 Jan criticising Myanmar for slow reforms. 10 of reported 700 activists detained after August protests charged with making illegal statements. UN negotiating earlier return for Special Envoy Gambari.

UN Human Rights Council called on junta to prosecute those involved in September crackdown abuses and asked envoy Paulo Pinheiro to return to country and issue report by March. UNSG Ban Ki-moon convened first meeting of 14-member “group of friends” 19 December. India reportedly ended arms sales and transfers.