YANGON, July 30 -- The Myanmar government on Thursday granted an amnesty to 6,966 prisoners including 155 detained Chinese loggers, a higher official confirmed.

The 155 Chinese loggers were among 210 foreigners of 6,966 prisoners freed on the same day.

The 210 foreign prisoners will be deported beginning Thursday with a view to maintaining mutual friendship and ties with related countries and on social ground.

On July 22, the Chinese loggers were sentenced for violating Myanmar's law against destroying public properties.

Last month, Chinese officials handed over 205 Myanmar nationals who were detained in China for illegal migration and working.