Following the 2003 declaration to work towards democracy in Myanmar, various steps have been taken in the country to achieve this goal. In May 2008, a national vote was taken in order to question the pros and cons of the new constitution, and a general election is to be called in 2010. Yet matters still remain, such as the continued house arrest of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi and the recent fighting with the Kokang ethnic minority in the north eastern part of the country.

In such circumstances, this August, the United States Senator Mr. Jim Webb visited Myanmar. He was successful in meeting with Senior General Than Shwe and applauded the SPDC's decision of to liberate J. Yettaw, a U.S. citizen who had been arrested for making illegal visits to the home of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi. The overall tone of these events implies a softening of the military regime.

With Myanmar beginning to draw attention in the international arena, SPF has invited H.E. Hla Myint, Ambassador of Myanmar to Japan to speak on the current situation and future prospects in Myanmar, and the future of bilateral relations between Myanmar and Japan.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a highly enlightening seminar.