Several prominent prisoners of conscience, including leaders of the 88 Generation, monks and journalists, were released on Friday 13 January.
“Many political prisoners have now been released and important steps have been taken towards reconciliation and democracy. The change in Norwegian policy is a signal to the Government of Myanmar that reform pays,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
“The country needs trade and investment in order to create jobs, promote development and reduce poverty. Better standards of living will also help to propel further democratisation. Norway will therefore no longer urge Norwegians not to trade with or invest in Myanmar,” said Mr Støre.
Foreign Minister Støre will visit Myanmar in the near future, and this will provide an opportunity to discuss the way forward.
The release of these prisoners is the latest in a series of positive developments that have recently taken place in Myanmar. On Thursday 12 January, the Government agreed on a ceasefire with the guerrilla group Karen National Union (KNU), which brings to an end the country’s longest civil war.