Sources indicated that the EU will
suspend its Burma sanctions for period of one year, with the exception of
the arms embargo. The concept of a
temporary lifting of sanctions was discussed during British Prime Minister
David Cameron’s visit to Myanmar earlier this month.
The EU Burma sanctions
include the following:
- a ban on the sale or
transfer of arms and weapons expertise to Myanmar;
- visa restrictions on
members of the Myanmar regime;
- a ban on visas for
certain Myanmar nationals connected with the Myanmar regime;
- a freeze on officials’
overseas assets.
- a ban on the purchase,
import or transport of
(a) round logs, timber and timber products;
(b) gold, tin, iron, copper, tungsten, silver, coal, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc;
(c) precious and semi-precious stones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, jade and emeralds. - a ban on the export of
equipment and technology for enterprises involved in the above industries;
- a ban on loans,
investment or joint ventures in the above industries;
- a ban on non-humanitarian
aid or development programs, other than
human rights/civil society support, health and education or environmental
programs.
The revised
Burma sanctions will take effect after a formal meeting of EU foreign ministers
on April 23.
The EU sanctions
legislation gives its administering authorities great flexibility, such that a
temporary suspension is possible. This contrasts with the US Burma sanctions
legislation, which is complex and far less flexible. In fact, the EU approach
may be more optimal, as sanctions can be
reimposed immediately should difficulties remain, and can be lifted permanently
with sufficient progress in the country.
Myanmar is
also suspended from the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences trade
program. This suspension is expected to
be lifted in June, when a report on forced labor in Myanmar is due.
