The first step of Myanmar's democratization has begun following the bold step of the military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), to free Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. Though it was a small step, it was a giant leap for the victimized people of Myanmar, who will now be able to live more peaceful lives.
Deserving the thanks of Myanmar's people are Razali Ismail, the U.N. special envoy who brokered the reconciliation between the regime and Suu Kyi's democratic forces; U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan, whose handling of this problem set a positive example; the governments, groups and individuals who supported the change; and the principal parties, the SPDC and Suu Kyi, whose flexibility, goodwill and perseverance have paid off with this stunning result.
Of course, many problems remain. A perfect transformation of the nation's politics cannot be expected, but if all parties work together, the period of transition can be made smoother.