Obama eases Myanmar Sanction instead of Criticizing

WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday ordered an easing of sanctions against Myanmar in response to the country's moves toward democratic reform.


Wednesday's order lifts restrictions against U.S. companies doing business in the Asian nation, formerly known as Burma, to encourage continued "progress along the path to democracy."


In a statement the president said Myanmar's government "continued to make important economic and political reforms. Easing sanctions is a strong signal of our support for reform and will provide immediate incentives for reformers and significant benefits to the people of [Myanmar]."


Obama noted much remains to be done in the country and called for transparency in the investment environment and the military's role in the economy.



The executive order gives the secretary of the Treasury authority to expand sanctions against those who "undermine the reform process, engage in human rights abuses, contribute to ethnic conflict or participate in military trade with North Korea.


"This order is a clear message to [Myanmar] government and military officials: Those individuals who continue to engage in abusive, corrupt or destabilizing behavior going forward will not reap the rewards of reform."





Source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/07/11/Obama-eases-Myanmar-sanctions/UPI-86161342029031/#ixzz20tYElyVP