Obama renews sanctions against Myanmar as US awaits verdict in activist’s trial

September 30th, 2009 US: Engagement won't replace sanctions in MyanmarWASHINGTON — The Obama administration says it will not ease harsh sanctions against military-run Myanmar (mee-an-MAWR') even as it pursues a new policy of dialogue with the Southeast Asian nation's ruling generals. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says lifting sanctions without democratic progress in Myanmar "would be a mistake." Democratic Sen.

September 30th, 2009 US: talks with Myanmar won't replace sanctionsWASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Wednesday it will not relax harsh sanctions against military-run Myanmar even as it pursues a new policy of direct talks with the Southeast Asian nation's generals. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, the top U.S.

August 14th, 2009 Administration OK'd senator's trip to MyanmarWASHINGTON — The Obama administration gave its blessing to Democratic Sen. Jim Webb's trip to military-run Myanmar, a visit criticized by dissident groups and conservatives who argue that it validates a violent junta accused of massive abuses against its people.

August 13th, 2009 EU beefs up Myanmar sanctionsBRUSSELS — The European Union says it is expanding its sanctions against Myanmar after the country sentenced pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to an additional 18 months of house arrest. The EU says it will freeze the assets of enterprises owned by members of Myanmar's ruling junta and people associated with them.

July 29th, 2009 Myanmar warns against predicting Suu Kyi verdictYANGON, Myanmar — A day after democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi murmured in court that the verdict in her trial was already "painfully obvious," Myanmar's state-run media warned Wednesday that any predictions of the outcome would amount to contempt of court. On Tuesday, lawyers gave their closing arguments in the high-profile proceedings against Suu Kyi, who is accused of violating the terms of her house arrest by harboring an American who swam uninvited to her lakeside home and stayed for two days.

July 24th, 2009 Trial of Aung San Suu Kyi resumes in MyanmarYANGON, Myanmar — A Myanmar official says the trial of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has resumed. The widely criticized proceedings started up again Friday with defense lawyers and prosecutors expected to present final arguments.

July 22nd, 2009 House approves sanctions against MyanmarWASHINGTON — The House has voted to renew sanctions meant to penalize the junta that runs the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, also called Burma. The resolution approving the reauthorization of the sanctions now goes to the Senate for consideration.

July 15th, 2009 US to push for change in MyanmarWASHINGTON — A senior U.S. official on Wednesday defended the United States' ability to push for democratic change in Myanmar, saying an unfinished Obama administration review of Myanmar policy has not hindered U.S.

July 7th, 2009 Obama says war with North Korea not imminentMOSCOW — President Barack Obama says he doesn't think any war "is imminent" with North Korea. Speaking in a network interview while meeting with Russian leaders, Obama was asked how precarious is the security situation in the wake of North Korea's nuclear tests and new sanctions as a result of them.

June 11th, 2009 Obama nominee indicates possible change on MyanmarWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's choice as top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Wednesday the United States is interested in easing its long-standing policy of isolation against military-run Myanmar.

May 31st, 2009 Britain renews call to Myanmar to release Suu KyiSINGAPORE — Britain renewed its call for Myanmar's military junta to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying Sunday that people around the world support her and her followers' struggle for democracy. Britain's Minister for International Defense and Security Ann Taylor used a high-profile regional meeting to show solidarity with Suu Kyi, whose trial for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest has drawn international outrage.

May 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has formally extended US sanctions against Myanmar amid latest tensions over detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi who was put on trial on charges of allowing a US national to visit her home without permission from the authorities. 'I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to Burma (Myanmar), and maintain the sanctions against Yangon to respond to this threat,' Obama told the Congress.

May 14th, 2009 Lawyer: Trial imminent for Myanmar's Suu KyiYANGON, Myanmar — A spokesman for her party says that detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be put on trial Thursday in connection with the intrusion of an American into her compound. Nyan Win says he was informed of the plan to try Suu Kyi and two women who live with her by her lawyer Kyi Win.

May 9th, 2009 Obama renews sanctions on Syria to mark concernWASHINGTON — The Obama administration is renewing economic and diplomatic sanctions on Syria, even as two US envoys are in the Syrian capital exploring prospects for improved relations. The State Department said President Barack Obama felt compelled to renew the penalties, which were first imposed by George W.

April 27th, 2009 LUXEMBOURG - The European Union (EU) Monday extended sanctions against Myanmar by one year and repeated calls for the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU sanctions - in place since 2006 - against Myanmar include a travel ban on top officials, an arms embargo and a freeze of the country's assets in Europe, EuAsiaNews reported.