U.N. welcomes Myanmar prisoner release

RAWALPINDI, Myanmar, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- A U.N. independent expert welcomed systematic release of prisoners of conscience in Myanmar, saying it keeps the country on its path to democracy.

"Bold steps are needed now to overcome the legacy of the past and to ensure that no prisoners of conscience are left behind," said Tomas Ojea Quintana, special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, said in a release Thursday.

Myanmar formerly was called Burma.

Myanmar officials must work political and civil society organizations "to clarify exactly how many prisoners are left," he added.

The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said among those released recently was U Khaymar Sara, a Buddhist monk held since he participated in demonstrations in September 2007.

Ojea Quintana said he was encouraged by the Myanmar government's release of the prisoners of conscience, but expressed concern that strings may be attached, such as the imposition of the remaining sentence if a crime were committed in the future. Instead, the government should ensure the prisoners are reintegrated into society, Ojea Quintana said.

Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes.