Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-general for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Situation in Myanmar (Release of Political Prisoners)

September 18, 2009

The Government of Myanmar announced on September 17 (Thu) and started on 18 the release of 7,114 prisoners including more than ten political prisoners.
The Government of Japan evaluates it as a positive step by the Government of Myanmar, though it will take some time to get the whole picture of the release.
The Government of Japan expects that the Government of Myanmar will further promote its movement of releasing political prisoners in the future and promote the democratization process in a way that involves all parties concerned.

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