U.S. praises Myanmar prisoner release

YANGON, Myanmar -- Myanmar's release of political prisoners drew praise from longtime critics of its once-authoritarian government, with Washington responding with a major diplomatic reward.

The release sparked jubilation among the country's pro-democracy activists -- who were reuniting with their freed comrades Saturday -- while signaling the government's readiness to meet Western demands for lifting economic sanctions.

The United States immediately announced it would upgrade diplomatic relations with the country it has shunned for more than two decades for its repressive policies.

Political activists, bloggers, a former prime minister, heads of ethnic minority groups and relatives of former dictator Ne Win were among the 651 detainees released Friday under a presidential pardon allowing them to take part in "nation-building."

The initial euphoria over the prisoner release could dissipate, as it became evident Saturday that many convicts who are political detainees by most definitions remained behind bars.

But the release was still the latest in a series of accelerating changes in Myanmar, including the start of a dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the legalization of labor unions and the signing of a cease-fire agreement in a long-running campaign against Karen insurgents.

President Barack Obama praised the release, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said ambassadors would be exchanged between the countries in response.

"This is a lengthy process, and it will, of course, depend on continuing progress and reform. But an American ambassador will help strengthen our efforts to support the historic and promising steps that are now unfolding," Clinton said.

Among those released Friday were activists arrested in connection with the 2007 monk-led Saffron Revolution -- named for the color of the robes worn by the country's Buddhist monks.