Burma to free prisoners ahead of Obama visit

Publisher	Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date	15 November 2012
Cite as	Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Burma to free prisoners ahead of Obama visit, 15 November 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50b4d0cd23.html [accessed 21 May 2023]
Disclaimer	This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

November 15, 2012

Burmese President Thein Sein

Burma says it will free 452 prisoners in a gesture of goodwill ahead of a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama that starts on November 19.

State media in Burma, also known as Myanmar, said that dissidents would be among those freed.

Burmese President Thein Sein's government has implemented democratic reforms aimed at opening the country up to the outside world.

The changes follow decades of military rule characterized by rights abuses and disregard for democratic principles.

Obama's visit is meant to encourage the current Burmese leadership to continue on that path.

Obama plans meet with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung Sung Suu Kyi during his visit.

She was freed by the new leadership after nearly 15 years under house arrest and made a successful run for a seat in parliament.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP