[Myanmar] Us Extends Authority To Impose Burma Sanctions

The Obama administration is extending by one year the president’s authority to re-impose tough sanctions against Burma, a move to prevent backsliding on democratic reforms. But to sweeten the pill, the administration is easing US visa restrictions on Burma’s former military regime to recognize the nation’s dramatic shift from authoritarian rule. The actions announced on Thursday come amid reports that Burmese President Thein Sein will visit the White House this month. It would be the first such visit by a Burmese leader since 1966. The administration has made no announcement about such a visit.—AP