EU to Tighten Sanctions Against Myanmar

The European Union on Monday plans to tighten sanctions on Myanmar, fomerly known as Burma, after the military-run state failed to meet conditions set out by the EU at the beginning of September. The EU has demanded pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi be released, an end to the harassment of her party -- the National League for Democracy -- and the convening of a National Convention to debate reform in the country. The demands had to be met before the Asia-Europe (ASEM) summit, opening in Hanoi on Friday. The conditions have not been met, announced Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot. The decision to tighten the sanctions will be taken on Monday (Oct.11) at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. The ministers are expected to expand the visa ban and oppose international institutions, like the World Bank, lending any money to Burma. In addition, European companies will not be allowed to invest in Burmese state-owned firms. At the same time, the EU will expand assistance to the people of Burma, namely in the areas of health and education. (EUobserver.com)