Democrat Senator Jim Webb is staying out of the controversial Health Reform Bill, on a five nation tour of Asia, has met with General Than Shwe of Burma and gained the release of American John Yettaw.

This unprecedented visit, by a democrat close to President Obama (Webb was once on the possible list for VP), could indicate that there is in fact some changes in international relations between Burma and the US. Although the State Department has made it clear that Webb’s trip was not in an official capacity.

Jim Webb, Senator from Virginia, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relation’s subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs, is the first high ranking official to visit Than Shwe, the black sheep of previous administrations in Washington.

The meeting in Burma’s Capital, Naypyidaw, lasted about an hour. Webb also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, opposition leader,
who has been condemned to an additional 18 months house arrest by the Burmese government, after American John Yettaw, swam to her lake side house in Rangoo. last may. According to government authorities this appearance of an uninvited guest at the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate’s house was indication that she had contravened the terms of a previous house arrest.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained a total of 14 years over the last 20 years.

The first result of the meeting between Webb and Than Shwe is the announcement of John Yettaw’s release. Yettaw’s health has been listed as fragile and he experienced several epilepsy incidents during his detention. He will be “officially” deported from Burma and will leave with Jim Webb aboard a military plane, in direction of Bangkok on Sunday.

Webb issued a statement saying: “I am grateful to the Myanmar government,” 
  
”It is my hope that we can take advantage of these gestures as a way to begin laying a foundation of goodwill and confidence-building in the future,” Webb added. Webb also said that he had asked for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

following his meeting with Than Shwe, Webb met with Aung San Suu Kyi for about 45 minutes. He communicated his deepest respect for the sacrifices she has made in her defense of democracy. Should Aung San Suu Kyi not benefit from clemency before the 2010 elections, she will not be able to participate in the promised election.

Last Thursday members of the UN Security Counsel, have expressed their deep concern, on the Burmese situation, and approved new sanctions against the regime. In the months preceding the John Yetaw incident the Obama administration had indicated that it would open to a change in politics towards Burma, with a more open dialogue.

The 76 year old Than Shwe took power in 1992, and has been, for more than a decade, the constant target of sanctions from the United Nations and the United States, for his lack of democratic reforms.

It is hoped that this successful visit from Webb might bring about better terms and a lift of sanctions that are seriously hindering business relations with Burma, and undermine the country’s development.