Pleased at release of prisoners in Myanmar

Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre says he is very pleased that a considerable number of political prisoners have been released in Myanmar.

"This is an important step forward on the country’s path to democracy, peace and reconciliation,” Støre says.

Several prominent prisoners of conscience, including leaders of the 88 Generation, monks and journalists, were released on Friday.

“The release of these prisoners of conscience is important for our confidence in the country’s civilian Government,” said Mr Støre.

The release of these prisoners is the latest in a series of positive developments that have recently taken place in Myanmar. On Thursday, the Government agreed on a ceasefire with the guerrilla group Karen National Union (KNU), which brings to an end the country’s longest civil war.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister will visit Myanmar in the near future.

(NRK/Press release)

Saturday, 14 January 2012 08:16

Written by Rolleiv Solholm

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