Member states divided over timing of Iranian oil embargo

EU unlikely to lift Myanmar sanctions

National foreign ministers are on Monday expected to encourage the regime in Myanmar to continue relaxing its grip on the country's politics and economy. Last week, the government made peace with a rebel group and released hundreds of political prisoners, prompting the United States to restore full diplomatic relations. But diplomats say that the EU is unlikely to lift existing sanctions – including a ban on the trade in gemstones and timber – before 1 April, when elections are scheduled for some 40 seats in the parliament. 

Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, is planning to visit Myanmar in the spring, although a date has not yet been set. Ashton's chief diplomatic adviser, Robert Cooper, was in Myanmar last month. Cooper co-ordinates the EU's Myanmar policy, which is currently being reviewed. The review report is scheduled to be finalised in April.

Alain Juppé, France's foreign minister, visited Myanmar earlier this week and said that EU sanctions would be lifted “step by step, at the pace of the progress of democratisation and liberalisation of the regime”.
Juppé met Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's opposition leader, who is expected to win a seat in parliament in April. Juppé's visit followed similar visits by Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, and William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary.