Burma freed many of its most prominent political prisoners today in a long-awaited step toward national reconciliation that also has been a key condition set by Western nations for easing sanctions against the country.

Burma’s military government said today that its trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi would have no political impact.

A COURT in Burma sentenced 14 members of a well-known pro-democracy group to 65 years’ imprisonment each yesterday, relatives said.

Hundreds of pro-democracy activists marched today to protest against a massive increase in fuel prices imposed by Burma’s military regime.