Yangon - Myanmar's military government released the country's longest-serving political prisoner Tuesday afternoon as part of a broad amnesty in which more than
9,000 prisoners were freed.

U Win Tin, 79, had served nearly 20 years in prison, and was the country's longest-serving political prisoner before his release, he said after his release.

While still wearing prison clothing, he told a handful of journalists that the country's military rule must end, but he has no interest in taking part in a scheduled 2010 general election.

U Win Tin was one of 9,002 prisoners released in a general amnesty on Tuesday.

The ruling State Peace and Development Council said through state-run media that it terminated the prison terms for prisoners with good conduct and in consideration of their families (dpa)