US Senator Kerry hails Myanmar steps

WASHINGTON: Senior US Senator John Kerry on Wednesday cautiously welcomed Myanmar's decision to release dozens of political prisoners as the latest encouraging glimmer of new openness in the authoritarian state.

"There are a number of things that have been happening in Myanmar that I would say open up some cautious hopes that maybe there's a transition taking place," Kerry, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told AFP.

The Democratic lawmaker cited Myanmar's decision to suspend construction of a controversial mega-dam, risking the anger of traditional ally China, to have "some dialogue" with pro-democracy groups, and "some indication that they may broaden" political participation.

"So there are some rumblings that are actually opening some thoughts about maybe there's some new thinking. and we'll see. It has to be tested carefully and slowly," said Kerry.

Rights groups have criticized the hugely anticipated amnesty as insufficient as the regime kept most of its roughly 2,000 political detainees -- including democracy campaigners, journalists, monks and lawyers -- locked up. (AFP)