A Step in the Right Direction - Myanmar to Release Political Prisioners

Authorities in Myanmar (Burma) have announced that they are planning on releasing some political prisoners and allowing them to take part in the nations 2010 elections.

The move comes after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Myanmar's military rulers to free political prisoners to ensure a "free and fair" election in the country.

"The (Myanmar) government needs to deliver on the promise to make the 2010 elections inclusive, free and fair and to take the necessary steps on my specific proposals in the very near future," Ban said Monday in a briefing to the UN Security Council on his recent two-day trip to Myanmar.

Myanmar's UN ambassador Than Swe said that his government "intends to implement all appropriate recommendations that the secretary-general had proposed."

Sixty-four year old Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi is among one of the estimated 2,100 prisoners that may be freed by Myanmar's junta, although it is not clear how many of the prisoners the government intends to release.

Ban called today's announcement by calling it "a good sign" but said he will continue to pressure the country's military leaders on the issue.

"This is encouraging, but I will have to continue to follow up how they will implement all the issues raised during my visit in Myanmar."