There is speculation in military-ruled Burma that pro-democracy opposition leader Ms Aung San Suu Kyi is set to be freed after 18 months under house arrest.
The release of the Ms Suu Kyi (56), winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, is one of the top demands of the international community. She has been confined to her lakeside Yangon home, with her telephone line cut, since September 2000.
A source close to the ruling junta said it was set to announce the release of Ms Suu Kyi in a deal under which she would co-operate with the junta in administering humanitarian work in fields such as health and education.
"It will be more than the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and some other political prisoners. It will be a breakthrough in Myanmar politics," the source said.
Mr Razali Ismail, the UN special envoy to the country, ended a four-day visit to the country on Friday saying he expected a breakthrough soon in the peace process.
The release of Suu Kyi is widely regarded as the most important step the junta could take to show the international community it is considering political change.
Diplomats in Rangoon confirmed there was speculation that Suu Kyi would be freed but noted there had been similar rumours before.