Mar 25, 2009 (DVB)–The European Union has said that it may consider easing sanctions on Burma if democratic progress in the country is seen, said the EU’s senior envoy to Burma yesterday.
“The European Council many times declared we are ready to change the sanctions, suspend the sanctions, if there are some positive steps in the direction of our goal,” said Piero Fassino.
The EU is due to meet with senior Burmese officials next month. Conditions for the easing of sanctions included the lifting of restrictions on opposition groups ahead of the proposed 2010 elections.
“It is impossible to achieve a free and fair election if the leader of the opposition is in prison,” he said.
“If in the next month there is some positive evolution, for example putting in place real democratic guarantees, we will consider [easing sanctions].”
The statement coincides with the first visit by a US senior official to Burma since the ruling State Peace and Development Council took office in 1997, and points to the possibility of a general softening in policy from the international community.
Reporting by Francis Wade
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