Burma's president has pardoned at least 70 more political prisoners, just days after promising to free all who remain jailed by the end of the year.

The release of political detainees in Burma has been a key concern of the United States and other Western nations.

Around 200 were believed to be behind bars before the announcement by Ye Aung, a member of the government's political prisoner scrutiny committee.

He said at least 70 were released from various prisons today.

Activists have accused President Thein Sein's government of only freeing a few political prisoners in small batches, and usually for public relations purposes.

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