But Than Shwe, head of the ruling junta, was unavailable.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

The United States, the European Union and others are easing sanctions, allowing their citizens and businesses to directly invest in Myanmar after the ruling junta returned to civilian rule and allowed free elections.

CNN: Coca-Cola sets sight on Myanmar

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who earlier this month visited Myanmar -- also known as Burma -- has asked the ruling junta to release all political prisoners, including the National League for Democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

CNN: Myanmar opposition skeptical of government's amnesty claim