Release of prisoners in Myanmar important step towards creating environment

for genuine national reconciliation, says Secretary-General

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement on 18 November by the Myanmar Government that it has begun releasing a total of 3,937 prisoners, and is encouraged by reports that a number of people detained for political activities are included among them.

The Secretary-General considers the release an important step towards creating an environment conducive to genuine national reconciliation in Myanmar.  He hopes that this step will be followed by the release of the remainder of those detained for articulating their political beliefs, including all those who are still under house arrest.

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