In a statement, the EU’s foreign ministers called for the release of political prisoners – most prominently, Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – and political liberalisation. They insisted on steps necessary to make the planned 2010 elections ‘a credible, transparent and inclusive process’ in line with international standards. The EU’s ultimate goal in Myanmar is ‘a peaceful transition to democracy’.
EU sanctions have been in force for three years. These include a travel ban on regime figures, a freeze of their assets and an arms embargo. In 2007, after the violent suppression of popular protests led by Buddhist monks, export of timber, metals and gemstones also came under sanctions.