Brussels, 13/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The Foreign Affairs Council decided on 12 April to relax EU sanctions that have been in place against the Burmese regime since 1996. The asset freeze and visa ban have been lifted for one third - all civilians with no connection with the army - of the new government: four ministers, including Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, and 18 deputy ministers. For the remaining members of the junta - all military - the sanctions will stay in place and, indeed, have been extended for a further year, until 30 April 2012. The new government, which took office on 30 March, “could create the potential for peaceful change and greater pluralism” in the country, EU foreign ministers say in conclusions adopted on Tuesday. “The Government should now assume responsibility for a peaceful transition to democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the conclusions state. The Burmese authorities are called on to release all political prisoners and to begin an inclusive dialogue with all the political opposition, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released in November of last year after seven years of house arrest. The Council decided, too, on Tuesday to resume high-level bilateral governmental visits to Burma with a view to encouraging dialogue with all parties, including the opposition. The decision on the suspension/extension of sanctions was published in the Official Journal of the EU on Wednesday 13 April 2011. (H.B./transl.rt)