Francis Khoo Thwe

The president has removed the names of 2,000 activists and dissidents from the 'black list.' They include that of trade union leader U Maung Maung who told AsiaNews that he is going home "next week" when "I get my visa." Meanwhile, a Burmese court sentences a lawyer to six months in jail on "contempt of court" charges after he came back from exile.

Announcement is posted on the Burmese president's website. Two brothers, both UN workers, and an NGO volunteer were given two to six years in jail. No reason was given for the pardon. DVB editor says Thein Sein is consolidating his power, which could lead to clash with or reform of parliament.