Brussels, 14/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 May, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted a regulation which, together with the decision adopted on 26 April, will give full legal effect to the suspension of EU sanctions against Burma/Myanmar, as was agreed at the previous Council meeting on 23 April. The restrictive measures on trade and investment in timber and precious stones and those relating to the people who hindered Burma/Myanmar's transition to democracy and companies owned by military officials or controlled by the government have been suspended for a year. The embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for repressive purposes will remain in place for 12 months longer. Suspending sanctions will, it is hoped, encourage the continuation of the reform process and will promote trade and investment.
Furthermore, European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso told Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament of Burma/Myanmar U Shwe Mann, when they met on Saturday 12 May, that the measures taken by his country, in particular on the release of political prisoners, rule of law and inter-ethnic dialogue, would result in continued support from the European Union. The EU recently has suspended a number of restrictive measures, approved an aid package worth €150 million and opened a diplomatic presence in Burma/Myanmar. (CG/transl.rt)