Secretary-General Welcomes Release of Political Prisoners in Myanmar

 

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

The Secretary-General is following closely the release of political prisoners by the Government of Myanmar as part of the amnesty granted by President Thein Sein.  The Secretary-General welcomes the release, thus far, of a number of prominent figures.  He hopes the Government will ensure that this process results in the early release of all political prisoners, consistent with its commitment to uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law.

The Secretary-General also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and negotiations between the authorities and ethnic groups.  He calls on all parties to redouble their efforts with a view to strengthening national unity, setting promised reforms on an irreversible course and addressing the serious challenges facing the country.

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For information media • not an official record