EU lifts Myanmar sanctions, keeps arms embargo

The European Union (EU) on Monday decided to lift sanctions against Myanmar, while keeping the arms embargo.

"In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council has decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms which will remain in place," said the EU conclusion adopted at a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.

According to the conclusion, the EU welcomes the remarkable process of reform in Myanmar and the developments towards democracy, a strong parliament, freedom of expression, and the government's efforts against corruption, as well as the efforts towards the release of remaining political prisoners.

It said the EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar to build a lasting partnership and to promote closer engagement with the country as a whole, and looks forward to working in partnership with the government, by establishing a regular political dialogue involving all concerned stakeholders.

It said the EU will use all means and mechanisms at its disposal to support Myanmar's political, economic and social transition and in this context welcomes the initiative of a Task Force to be launched later in the year, building on the Joint Statement agreed on March 5, 2013 during the visit of President U Thein Sein to Brussels.