In a stunning development that has democracy advocates cautiously raising an eyebrow, Myanmar's military government has allowed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi - her first confirmed outside contact in two and a half years. The meeting, which took place with a delegation led by ICRC representative Arnaud de Baecque, produced photographs showing the 81-year-old democracy icon looking relaxed and, dare we say, healthy.

This marks the first confirmed meeting between Suu Kyi and anyone outside the government for nearly four years, and it's a far cry from the military's previous assurances of her well-being, which were about as convincing as a used car salesman's promise. Suu Kyi was detained shortly after the armed forces deposed her government in 2021, and she was sentenced to 33 years in jail on charges widely viewed as trumped-up - though her sentence has since been reduced and she's been moved to house arrest.

The ICRC, in a statement that reads like a diplomatic masterpiece of understatement, confirmed that the visit included "the opportunity to speak with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in private." No details on her health or the content of their conversation were provided, because that would be too informative.

Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, who has been campaigning internationally for proof of life, welcomed the news as the first positive development in more than five years. "This may be a first step, but it must not be the last," he said, in what could be interpreted as a subtle hint that a single visit doesn't quite cut it.

The meeting comes as Myanmar's military government, still led by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and dominating the political landscape despite an election earlier this year, attempts to end its diplomatic isolation through official visits to neighboring countries. The international community's demands have been clear: end the aerial bombardment of opposition-held areas, start negotiations to end the civil war, and release Aung San Suu Kyi. The military has rejected these calls so far, but allowing this meeting might be a hint that they're willing to budge on at least one front - or it could just be a PR stunt. Either way, it's a start.