EU Removes Burma Sanctions

The European Union has decided to lift most sanctions previously placed on Myanmar/Burma. The decision has been described as premature by some but the move is supported by democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The decision was made in the backdrop of increasing sectarian tensions and violence, particularly in the west of Burma. In western Burma the minority Muslim community has been attacked which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and displacement of over 125,000! The violence began last summer and has started to escalate out of control. A recent Human Rights Watch report accused the Burmese government of ethnic cleansing due to its inability to help the Muslims. It may come as a surprise to you that it is Buddhists who are leading the violence! In the West people tend to portray Buddhists as good people who never partake in violence. It would appear that all religions have violent elements to them.

Currently Burma is slowly moving from military dictatorship to a democracy. In 2012 Aung San Suu Kyi's party, National League for Democracy, made significant gains in by-elections held in summer. Yet the government still retains an iron fist on power. Together the military and the government party (Union Solidarity and Development Party) control 322 of the 440 seats in the lower house, called the Pyithu Hluttaw. In the upper house, called the Amyotha Hluttaw the government has 185 of the 224 seats. With a presidential election in 2015, Burma may be in for rapid change. Let's hope that they can handle it!

Violence has spread throughout the country.
source: www.bbc.co.uk