Strasbourg, 18/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU is considering whether to ease sanctions against Burma in February and also whether to provide economic aid to “recognise the reforms undertaken by the regime”, diplomatic sources announced on Wednesday 18 January. “But such a move is still under debate”, according to these same sources. “Discussion is focusing on when and how to lift the sanctions. There are differing opinions on whether to lift them quickly or more slowly”, a diplomat said.
“In the light of recent developments in the country, we have begun a general evaluation of our policy towards Burma”, said the spokesman of High Representative Catherine Ashton, who may “very shortly” visit the Burmese capital Naypyidam.
A European source has revealed that the issue will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January and conclusions are expected. The foreign ministers of France, Alain Juppé, and the United Kingdom, William Hague, who want the EU to undertake a gradual review of sanctions, have decided to seize the opportunity presented by this Council “to propose very short-term measures”, the French foreign ministry has announced.
The French and British foreign ministers have stated that the EU must “remain vigilant”. The sanctions regime will expire at the end of April and the European Union “will have to consider and adapt a new approach for the future”, said the French minister. He added that democratic conduct of the by-elections on 1st April and “progress on settling the issue of conflicts with ethnic minorities” would be key criteria “in allowing us to make up our minds” on how to proceed.
The EU has already eased the restrictive measures on Burma with the suspension, in April 2011, of the freeze on assets and visa bans on a third of the members of the government, including the foreign minister.
The Burmese government has begun a process of reform and has shown signs of willingness, such as the release of several hundred political prisoners and a ceasefire agreement with the country's main armed group, Karen. (CG/transl.rt)