The Union of Myanmar, which is ruled by a ruthless military junta, has retained Washington, D.C.-based DCI Assocs. to improve its relationship with the U.S.

DCI is to brief members of the Bush Administration and Congress that the former Burma is now committed to democracy and human rights. It also wants to be considered a foot soldier in President Bush's so-called "war on terror." DCI received a $100,000 retainer from Myanmar in early April, which will cover work through July 15. It will then bill Myanmar $35K a month.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar made international news in May when it released Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. Her National League for Democracy won a 1990 national election, but the military failed to relinquish power. She was under arrest for a decade.

The United Nations has negotiated the freedom of about 200 political prisoners in Myanmar, but 1,500 remain in detention, according to the BBC.

DCI has been retained by Myanmar's State Peace & Development Council.