An EU official has announced the approval of a $128m aid package for Burma to develop the country’s infrastructure, in a sign of further easing of sanctions placed on the state.
Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said the package would be for improving the country’s health, education and basic infrastructure.
Piebalgs suggested that more sanctions will be lifted if elections, scheduled to be held in April, are free and fair.
"There is concern [on the government side] that they've made reforms, they released political prisoners, they opened up, but the sanctions are still in place," Mr Piebalgs said.
"Now it's very clear that the watershed is elections in April. If it goes as expected and is free and fair, then everyone would expect the easing of sanctions to continue."
The opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest last year, is standing for a seat in parliament.
"The president mentioned a lot about Aung San Suu Kyi and it was all positive. That was unexpected," Mr Piebalgs said.
"He said she was extremely important in the country and her participation in the political process was crucial. That's a very positive sign."
Aung San Suu Kyi candidacy accepted for elections - 06 Feb 2012
Burmese military intensify fighting in Kachin region - 19 Jan 2012
Myanmar agrees ceasefire with Karen rebels - 13 Jan 2012
US hails dramatic change in Burma as Kachin complain of atrocities - 11 Oct 2012
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
