Asia-Pacific News
Philippines calls for lifting of sanctions against Myanmar
Jan 18, 2012, 9:00 GMT
Manila - The Philippines on Wednesday called for the lifting of international sanctions against Myanmar amid political reforms being implemented in the once-pariah country.
The Philippines, which had been one of the most vocal critics of Myanmar's former ruling military junta, said the government's decision to release 302 political prisoners Friday showed its resolve and commitment to move towards democracy.
'The unprecedented political and economic reforms now under way in Myanmar should find reciprocal gesture from the international community, and international sanctions against Myanmar should already be lifted,' the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Myanmar was ruled for 49 years by the military, but a pro-military civilian government took office last year after Myanmar's first elections in 20 years.
Western nations led by Europe and the United States have imposed financial and economic sanctions against Myanmar since 1988 because of its poor human rights record.
The Philippines and Myanmar are both members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, a 10-member regional bloc that has been criticized for failing to push Myanmar to take more steps towards democracy.
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