LUXEMBOURG
European Union (EU) on Monday lifted economic and political sanctions on Myanmar completely, except an arms embargo.
EU's decision came at a meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday.
The foreign ministers took the decision to end sanctions on Myanmar by considering developments towards democracy in Myanmar, strong parliament, freedom of expression, fight against corruption and releasing political prisoners.
In a press conference held on Monday, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that "by ending the economic and political sanctions, we have closed a long chapter with Myanmar".
"What remains is only an arms embargo. There is still work to be done for democracy, human rights, fight against corruption and lasting peace," Ashton stressed.
On April 23, 2012, the EU suspended its more than 10 years old sanctions on Myanmar after Myanmar's government released a high number of political prisoners and permitted the opposition to participate in elections.
Hundreds of Muslims lost their lives in attacks perpetrated by Budhist groups in Myanmar, and especially in Arakan state, in recent times. The Muslims' homes and mosques were burned down and thousands of them were displaced.,
