Myanmar President frees prisoners ahead of US visit

In this November 19, 2012, file photo, U.S. President Barack Obama, left, shakes hands with Myanmar President Thein Sein at the Yangon Parliament building in Yangon, Myanmar. Mr. Thein Sein is scheduled to make a State visit to the U.S. - the first by a Myanmar Head of State in almost 47 years.

Myanmar President Thein Sein has pardoned political prisoners just ahead of a State visit to the United States, maintaining the momentum of warming ties between the countries.

Ye Aung, a member of the Government’s political prisoner scrutiny committee, said 20 prisoners had been freed till Friday, with more releases expected. The exact number to be released was unclear.

Mr. Thein Sein will visit the White House on Monday, the first State visit by a Myanmar leader in almost 47 years.

The U.S. applied sanctions against Myanmar’s previous military regime for its poor human rights record. Mr. Thein Sein has implemented several reforms since his election in 2010, including freeing hundreds of political prisoners. The U.S., in turn, eased most sanctions. Last November, Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to visit Myanmar.