Myanmar pardons 6966 prisoners possibly including Chinese loggers

The Myanmar government on Thursday pardoned a total of 6,966 prisoners, which sources said possibly include the 155 detained Chinese loggers, according to an amnesty order of President U Thein Sein.

The government pardoned 210 foreigners from various jails across the country, according to the amnesty order.

The order is made out of consideration of ensuring stability, making eternal peace, national reconciliation of the country and enabling all to participate in political process as well as out of humanitarian ground, the statement said.

According to the amnesty, the 210 foreign prisoners will be deported beginning Thursday, with a view to maintaining friendship and ties with related countries.

The Chinese loggers were sentenced for violating Myanmar's law against destroying public properties on July 22.