缅甸释放46名囚犯

Burmese state media say 46 prisoners have been freed as part of a general amnesty aimed at promoting "national unity."

The state-run New Light of Myanmar says 37 men and nine women were freed Tuesday, under an order by President Thein Sein.  It also says 34 foreign prisoners were deported.

But, it does not mention whether those released were among the hundreds of political prisoners still jailed by Burma's military-backed government.

Burma has released hundreds of political prisoners since a nominally civilian government came to power last year.

In response, many Western governments have begun relaxing sanctions against Burma. But the unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners remains a key condition for many to fully restore ties with Burma.