Burma/Myanmar: Eu Sanctions Suspended

[sabaijai]

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 14 May 2012

9626/12

PRESSE 195

Burma/Myanmar: EU sanctions suspended

The Council today adopted a regulation that, together with a Council decision adopted on

26 April, will give full legal effect to the suspension of EU sanctions against

Burma/Myanmar. The suspension had been agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council on

23 April.

The EU restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar are suspended for one year. Only the

embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression will remain in

force for another 12 months. The suspension of the sanctions is part of the EU’s policy to

welcome and encourage the ongoing reform process in Burma/Myanmar.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said:

"The European Union welcomes the remarkable changes in Burma/Myanmar and has

decided to open a new chapter in our relations. Now that the sanctions will be effectively

suspended, we encourage trade and investment in the country."

The suspended measures concern trade and investment in the sectors of logging, timber

processing and mining of precious metals and precious stones. In addition, persons

involved in policies that impeded Burma/Myanmar's transition to democracy and military

owned companies or companies controlled by the government of Burma/Myanmar were

targeted by asset freezes and travel bans.

Council conclusions of 23 April (9008/12)

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/12/st09/st09008.en12.pdf

Council decision of 26 April (EU Official Journal)

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/12/st09/st09008.en12.pdf