Myanmar's military government on Saturday freed the 82-year-old deputy leader of the pro-democracy party headed by Aung San Suu Kyi after nearly seven years in detention. The release of Tin Oo, who helped found the National League for Democracy with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, comes shortly before a U.N. envoy visits the country. Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.  Tin Oo spent nearly seven years in prison and under house arrest. The junta had renewed his detention on an annual basis since his arrest in 2003, with his latest term expiring Saturday.

Reporters saw four officials enter Tin Oo's residence, where he had been detained. He later emerged from the building.  The UN special envoy to Myanmar, Tomas Ojea Quintana, is to arrive Monday to evaluate its progress on human rights issues. Rights groups say the junta still holds about 2,100 political prisoners.  Tin Oo was arrested along with Suu Kyi on May 30, 2003, when a pro-government mob attacked their motorcade as they were making a political tour of northern Myanmar.    rri.co.id/dodo