Aung San Suu Kyi/ Political scene in Myanmar Following a visit from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, in December

2011, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the pro-democracy party National League Democracy, also announced their plans to contest for 44 out of 45 vacated parliamentary seats in the byelection that was set to take place in 1st April. Additionally, William Hague, Foreign Secretary from the UK, also visited Myanmar in early January 2012 to reward and encourage further political reforms of the Myanmar government. Shortly after in mid-January, Myanmar authorities signed a ceasefire agreement with ethnic rebel group, the Karen National Union that had been fighting for autonomy the past 63 years. Additionally, 300-odd political prisoners were also released. In response, US announced the full restoration of diplomatic ties, while the EUs sanctions were also set to undergo reviews. On 1st April, results of the byelection were announced. Despite the lack of complete fairness in byelection, the NLD won a landslide victory of 43 out of 45 seats available, taking up 7% of seats in the Parliament. US then announced its relaxation of sanctions. On 13th April, UKs Prime Minister David Cameron met the Myanmar government and Aung San Suu Kyi during his visit to Myanmar. He announced Britains stand in favour of suspension of all EU sanctions on Myanmar, apart from the arms embargo, after his meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU suspension that will last a year was confirmed on 23rd April. At the same time, Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD made the decision to boycott the opening session of Parliament. This was due to NLDs disagreement with the MPs oath that says they must safeguard the constitution, which they want to see amended to reduce the militarys power. A week later, they backed down but stressed that they will push to amend the constitution. On 29th May, Aung San Suu Kyi left Myanmar for the first time in 24 to speak for the World Economic Forum on East Asia held in Thailand. She was welcomed enthusiastically by crowds of migrants from Myanmar. It is estimated that Burmese migrants make up about 7% - 10% of the total workforce in Thailand, with many exploited and paid low wages. On 13th June, Aung San Suu Kyi departed for Europe, with her first stop in Switzerland to give an address in the UN's International Labour Organisation conference. On 16th June, she arrived in Norway to receive her Nobel peace prize, ten years after she was awarded. She then headed for Britain shortly after.