Myanmar's ruling party meets to map out future

Members urged to build on reforms, work in interests of the people

Myanmar's ruling party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, opened its first party conference in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Sunday as it vows for a major leadership change and expansion to win public support.

Observers said the ruling party is feeling pressures from both outside and inside to narrow the gap with the main opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, as the country is to hold a next general election in 2015 under the constitution.