Obama renews sanctions against Myanmar as US awaits verdict in activist’s trial
By APWednesday, July 29, 2009
Obama renews sanctions against Myanmar
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has renewed sanctions against the junta that runs the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar.
Congress last week approved the reauthorization of sanctions, first enacted in 2003, targeting imports from Myanmar. The resolution also maintains a ban on importing jade and other gems from Myanmar, also known as Burma.
Obama signed the bill into law Tuesday.
U.S. lawmakers are pushing for the unconditional release of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The detained 64-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate is being tried on charges that she violated the terms of her house arrest by harboring an uninvited American man, John William Yettaw, who swam to her lakeside home and stayed for two days.
Suu Kyi faces a possible five years in prison. A verdict is expected Friday.
