Prisoner Release Should be Accompanied by Political Gestures

NCGUB Press Release, November 19, 2004

The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) announced the release of 3,937 prisoners, including several prominent leaders of the National League for Democracy and student leader Min Ko Naing on 19 November.

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) welcomes the news of the release but is concerned by the accompanying clarification that the prisoners released had been "inappropriately arrested by the National Intelligence Bureau that was dissolved on October 22”.

The NCGUB firmly believes that all political prisoners in Burma were "inappropriately arrested" and the generals should seriously consider releasing all the remaining immediately. Furthermore, the generals should not treat the freeing of prisoners as a political game to discredit the ousted General Khin Nyunt or to win international support.

Prime Minister Dr Sein Win said, "The country can ill-afford political games at this stage. The release of political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, and all other prominent political leaders, should be accompanied by sincere gestures to hold talks and advance the national reconciliation process in the country".

The NCGUB is convinced that the Burmese Defense Services are now in a position to take positive action and change the course of Burma's political history for the better. They should not miss this rare opportunity.

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