Myanmar FM urges lifting 'counter-productive' sanctions

Mon Sep 29, 4:37 PM ET

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Myanmar's foreign minister Foreign Minister Nyan Win on Monday called for the lifting of what he called "unwarranted" and "counter-productive" Western sanctions against his country.

"These sanctions are unwarranted," he told the UN General Assembly, referring to "unilateral" sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States.

The sanctions were imposed on Myanmar's military regime for its refusal to release political prisoners, including democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, end repression of minority groups and start genuine national reconciliation.


"They are not only unfair but immoral. They are counter-productive and deprive the countries of their right to development," Nyan Win said.

He also pointed out that Myanmar has "abundant land and natural resources to be able to make a meaningful contribution to energy and food security of our country and beyond."

"In order for us to fulfill our potential we need unfettered access to markets. We need modern technology. We need investment," the Myanmar minister added. "The sooner the unjust sanctions are revoked and the barriers removed, the sooner will the country be in a position to become the rice bowl of the region and a reliable source of energy."

Last July, US President George W. Bush renewed a ban on imports from Myanmar and also signed a new law that aims to keep Myanmar's gems from entering US markets via third-party countries.

In parallel, the US Treasury Department slapped financial sanctions on 10 companies owned or controlled by the Myanmar government or government officials, including companies involved in the gem trade.

The European Union also tightened its own sanctions against Myanmar in May, including an embargo on the import of timber, gems and metals from Myanmar.

The 27-nation bloc also extended the list of Myanmar leaders and their relatives subject to a travel ban and assets freeze.