SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES MYANMAR’S RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the release yesterday by the Myanmar Government of several political prisoners as part of an amnesty procedure, including Myanmar’s longest-serving political prisoner, U Win Tin, and six other senior members of the National League for Democracy.  The release of political prisoners, including several of the individuals released today, was one focus of discussion between the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari, and the Myanmar Government during his latest visit to Myanmar.

The Secretary-General reiterates that all political prisoners should be released and that all citizens of Myanmar should be able to enjoy political freedoms, as necessary steps towards the process of national reconciliation and dialogue.  He looks forward to any further action by the Myanmar Government in this regard.

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For information media • not an official record