Suu Kyi steps out of house prison, 1,500 others wait

Asked how her feelings on being released now were different from when she was released in 1995, she said: ‘‘It’s a lot hotter today than it was the last time.’’ The government announced Suu Kyi’s release as a harbinger of further political freedoms, but observers weren’t holding their breath. They urged caution with a military government that overruled her National League of Democracy’s (NLD) overwhelming election win in 1990.

Human rights group Amnesty International said it welcomed the fact that Suu Kyi’s release was unconditional. ‘‘We hope that it will be followed by the releases of around 1500 of other prisoners held for their peaceful political views,’’ it said.

‘‘As of today, she is at liberty to carry out all activities, including her party’s,’’ a government spokesman said before Suu Kyi left her home. The junta said in a statement it had released hundreds of political prisoners in recent months and more would be freed soon, provided they were not a threat to national stability.

Suu Kyi told the news conference there were no restrictions on her movement. ‘‘I can go wherever I like,’’ she said, adding that the NLD had not changed its stance on opposing foreign investment, aid and tourism in Myanmar while the military government remains in place.

Observers said that while Suu Kyi’s freedom was a step forward, it did not mean the junta was about to open its arms to democracy. ‘‘There are still so many obstacles, and the NLD and international community should be very wary in this process,’’ said Somchai Homla-or, secretary general of the Bangkok-based human rights organisation Forum Asia. ‘‘The groups who are in power will not easily give up their power because it’s not just political but economic. They won’t step down if there is no pressure from outside.’’