"The president is pleased that Senator Webb has facilitated the release of American citizen John Yettaw from detention in Burma," the White House said in a statement, using Myanmar's old name. "He appreciates this decision by the Burmese government."
Yettaw was jailed after swimming to Aung San Suu Kyi's lakeside home, violating the terms of her house arrest, which resulted in jail terms for himself and the opposition activist.
Myanmar's government agreed to deport Yettaw after a surprise visit by Webb, who held an unprecedented meeting with the country's leader Than Shwe.
"The president also notes that in addition to meeting with head of state Than Shwe, Senator Webb was able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, the first meeting by a US official with her for many years," the White House said.
"We urge the Burmese leadership in this spirit to release all the political prisoners it is holding in detention or in house arrest, including Aung San Suu Kyi," the statement said.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------