Hague hails Burma prisoner releases

Large crowds greeted political prisoners as they were freed from jail in Burma (AP)
12 April 2012

Foreign Secretary William Hague has hailed the release of political prisoners in Burma as a demonstration that the nation's leaders were committed to reform.

High-profile dissidents, including Min Ko Naing, a student leader from the failed 1988 pro-democracy uprising, were freed in the latest round of prisoner amnesties.

Mr Hague said the move was "exactly the kind of measure" he had called for during his historic visit to the state last week.

"I am delighted to hear that a significant number of political prisoners in Burma have today been released, including 88 Generation and ethnic leaders," he said.

"The release of all political prisoners is a long-standing demand of the international community and I warmly welcome these releases as a further demonstration of the Burmese government's commitment to reform.

"This is exactly the kind of measure I called for in all my meetings with Burmese government leaders last week.

"So is this week's much-needed ceasefire in the conflict with the Karen people.

"I hope these positive steps will contribute to greater democratic participation in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections."

President Thein Sein's arrival in office last year has seen a significant shift in direction after decades of hardline military rule.

Freeing prominent political prisoners has been one of the key conditions of Western nations for easing sanctions against the country.

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