Asia-Pacific News
EU easing of Myanmar sanctions goes into effect, more might come
Feb 17, 2012, 11:23 GMT
Brussels - A partial lifting of European Union sanctions against Myanmar has come into effect, the bloc said Friday, stressing its willingness to go further if the country takes further steps towards democracy.
EU foreign ministers had agreed to lift a travel ban on 87 leading officials, including President Thein Sein, vice-presidents, cabinet ministers and speakers of the two houses of parliament.
'Today's decision to suspend certain restrictive measures is a reaction to the positive signs coming from the country,' EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement, confirming she will visit Myanmar in April.
In a trip to the country this week, EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said the bloc might lift more sanctions if by-elections on April 1 go smoothly and more political prisoners are freed.
In April the EU might be able 'to respond to what I hope will be continued progress,' Ashton confirmed in her statement Friday.
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