Release of political prisoners in Myanmar a positive step

 “It now looks as if all the remaining political prisoners in Myanmar will be released. This is a positive development and essential for the democratisation process. The issue has been part of the agenda in the long-standing dialogue between Norway and Myanmar,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Brende.  

A representative of President U Thein Sein announced recently that the Myanmar authorities will release all political prisoners by the end of the year. The vast majority of the political detainees in the country have already been released during the past two years as part of the democratisation process headed by the president. The release of the remaining prisoners will be an important step forward and a sign of the political will to continue the reform process.

“Myanmar has scheduled a general election in 2015, and will be assuming the important role of Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2014. The success of both of these developments will require international confidence in Myanmar. The fact that the country now appears to be releasing all remaining political prisoners will be very important in boosting this confidence,” said the Foreign Minister.