A United Nations envoy has welcomed Burma's release of nearly 250 prisoners, but says the military junta must free all remaining prisoners of conscience.
In a statement-Thursday, human-rights investigator Paulo Sergio Pinheiro said he welcomed this week's release of 249 prisoners, including politicians, an editor and political party members. Mr. Pinheiro said he hopes this will be followed by the release of all remaining political prisoners.
The UN envoy says releasing more prisoners would send an important signal to the people of Burma and the international community that the government is committed to a process of reconciliation.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.