Asia-Pacific News
UN urges Myanmar to release all political prisoners
Oct 13, 2011, 22:24 GMT
New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed Thursday the amnesty of some political prisoners by Myanmar, but he urged that all of them be released.
The civilian government of President Thein Sein freed a number of political prisoners this week, including some prominent ones, as part of a much needed amnesty to move the democratic process forward.
But Ban said in a statement that Yangon should 'ensure that this process results in the early release all political prisoners, consistent with its commitment to uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law.'
He said the UN took note of the on-going dialogue between the government and opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and negotiations with ethnic groups.
He called for all parties in Myanmar 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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