Because of steady progress in national reconciliation, we continue to release more individuals who will cause no harm... nor threaten the existing peace... of the nation

Burmese government statement

The military authorities said the release of the 115 prisoners was due to "steady progress" in national reconciliation.

But last week, the United Nations special envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, said that during a fact-finding visit to the country he had seen no sign that the military were having meaningful talks with the opposition.

Despite the release of about 400 political prisoners since 2000, the United Nations says more than 1,000 remain behind bars.

Thursday's prisoner release was marred by the sentencing of a law student, Khin Maung Win, to seven years in jail for distributing anti-government leaflets at a university campus.

Junta under pressure

The Burmese opposition National League for Democracy, about 50 of whose members are believed to be freed on Thursday, nevertheless hailed the move.

"We welcome this release in triple digits and hope that more such releases will follow soon," said Ohn Myint of the NLD Welfare Support Committee.

Mr Razali said that during last week's visit he had suggested to the generals that they unconditionally release a large number of political prisoners to show their commitment to reconciliation.

The release also comes two days after the US complained that the reconciliation dialogue, brokered by Mr Razali in October 2000, appeared to have produced few results.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy overwhelmingly won 1990 elections but the military government refused to hand over power.

However, the Burmese government is under pressure to reform as the economy is in crisis and it badly needs foreign aid.