ON Saturday, to a delirious welcome, Aung San Suu Kyi stepped out of her detention of seven years to raise hopes worldwide that her liberation could mark the beginning of Myanmar’s move towards democratic reforms. This may be unwarranted optimism. The military junta, which has kept Myanmar’s crusader for democracy in jail for a period of over 15 years, has ensured that her release poses no threat to its iron grip on the country. The general election held earlier this month after 20 years was fraudulent, with the pro-government Union Solidarity and Development Party securing a majority. Her release thus poses no obstacles to government formation. What actually moved the junta led by Senior Gen Than Shwe is foreign pressure and severe world criticism of its authoritarian rule. Myanmar is a closed society. There are no foreign journalists or international rights bodies on its soil and the generals have ensured their grip over the country through a constitution that reserves a quarter of the seats for the military in the bicameral legislature. Aung San Suu Kyi’s release was due 18 months ago but the junta used the puppet judiciary to prolong her detention. However, President Obama’s remarks during his India visit and his plea to New Delhi to use its influence with Myanmar to ensure a relaxation of military rule seems to have had some bearing on the generals’ decision. What the junta should realise is that democratic reforms are in Myanmar’s interest. Myanmar is Asean’s only military dictatorship. By denying their people democratic freedoms, the generals stand between Myanmar and the rightful place to which it is entitled in the region. With its vast natural resources and a relatively small population Myanmar has the potential to develop into a prosperous democracy if the generals do not suppress their people’s urge for it.