WHILE the latest development has raised hopes of political reform and reconciliation in Myanmar, similar apparent breakthroughs had occurred in the past and optimists had been proven wrong each time. Some examples of hopes kindled, then dashed, in the military-ruled country:
1989: After 3,000 people are killed in a crackdown on a 1988 democracy uprising, the army announces that elections will be held in May 1990.
Ms Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy wins 392 of the 485 seats in Parliament. But the generals backtrack, saying a new Constitution must come first, and ignore the election results.
July 1995: Ms Suu Kyi is released from house arrest, leading then United Nations chief Boutros Boutros-Ghali to express hope of a restoration of civilian rule and multi-party democracy.
A year later, Ms Suu Kyi's car is attacked by crowds as she travels to meet supporters. She accuses the junta of orchestrating the attack.
In 1998 and 2000, she is prevented from leaving Yangon by car or rail.
April 2000: Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail is appointed as the latest UN special envoy. Ms Suu Kyi is placed under house arrest again five months later.
January 2001: It emerges that Ms Suu Kyi and the junta have been holding secret talks. The negotiations generate a rare meeting between her and Senior General Than Shwe, but little else.
May 2002: Ms Suu Kyi is released and told she can travel freely. The junta declares the 'start of a new page'.
A year later, her convoy is attacked by pro-government supporters and she ends up back in custody.
She has been in prison or under house arrest ever since, with her telephone line cut and the only visitors allowed being her doctor, maid and cook.
May 2006: New UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari becomes the first outsider to meet Ms Suu Kyi in more than two years, rekindling talk of reconciliation and dialogue. Within a week, her house arrest has been extended by another year.
REUTERS