TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations (UN) welcomed the release of around 73 political prisoners in Myanmar,Tuesday. UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon said this step would strengthen national reconciliation and the truce in Myanmar.
Special government advisor at the Myanmar Peace Center (MPC), Hla Maung Shwe, said that out of the 73 pardoned political prisoners, 29 were considered Shan rebels and 26 were detainees from Kachin.
Thet Oo, a spokesman of the Former Political Prisoners group in Rangoon, said he is pleased with this release, yet, they would be happier if the government releases all the people at the same time."
"Most of the released prisoners belonged to armed groups or were accused of belonging to an unlawful group," he said, adding that one of the released had been accused of being a member of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front.
Thet Oo added that an estimated 92 political prisoners still remain behind bars in Myanmar.
During a visit to the United Kingdom last week, Thein Sein said his government would release all prisoners of conscience before the year’s end. He also announced that a national peace conference with Myanmar’s 11 major ethnic rebel groups would be held this month.
MIZZIMA | IRRAWADDY | NATALIA SANTI
