Bans dropped
January 23, 2012
The European Union said Monday it would begin easing sanctions on Myanmar to encourage the country's ambitious reform program.
EU foreign ministers ordered visa bans on the president, vice-presidents, the cabinet and speakers of both houses of parliament, lifted "as a first step," a joint statement said.
The 27-nation bloc welcomed "the remarkable program of political reform" undertaken by the country's nominally civilian government, adding that continued reforms "would lead to the further easing or lifting of the restrictive measures."
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has long faced embargos on arms deliveries, logging and mining. An easing of sanctions could also see the resumption of aid and the unlocking of the assets of more than 900 businesses and utilities.
"I am convinced that a democratization process is under way and I am thankful to see the EU engaging in a progressive lifting of the sanctions," said French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe, who recently visited the country.
Since coming to power in 2010, the Burmese government under President Thein Sein has initiated a ceasefire program with several of the country's major ethnic minority groups. It has also sought out dialogue with persecuted democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and allowed the re-registration of the opposition National League for Democracy party.
The government has also welcomed a host of high-level diplomats in recent months - including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and British Foreign Secretary William Hague - who have issued statements praising the country for progress on moving away from the policies of the military junta that ruled the country for much of its post-independence history.
By-elections on April 1 are being seen as the next major test of the administration's democratic ambitions. Suu Kyi has indicated she would contest for a seat in parliament.
Author: Darren Mara (Reuters, AFP)
Editor: Sarah Berning