LONDON: European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to lift the last of the bloc's trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar, hailing “a new chapter” with the once pariah state. “In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council (of ministers) has decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms,” said a statement approved without a vote. “The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma, building a lasting partnership,” it added. The European Union began easing sanctions against Myanmar a year ago as the military, in power for decades, progressively ceded power to civilians and implemented wholesale reforms of the economy. Ministers noted, however, that there were “still significant challenges to be addressed,” in particular an end to hostilities in Kachin state and improving the plight of the Rohingya people. New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Monday that Myanmar has waged “a campaign of ethnic cleansing” against Rohingya Muslims, citing evidence of mass graves and forced displacement affecting tens of thousands. HRW Asia head Phil Robertson said lifting the sanctions was “premature and regrettable,” warning that the move lessens leverage over Myanmar. To help Myanmar's economy, the EU will also look at the feasibility of a bilateral investment agreement, as well as more development assistance. BN
