EU could begin lifting sanctions in February

BRUSSELS - The European Union is mulling whether to begin lifting sanctions against Myanmar as soon as February to encourage signs of reform after decades of outright military rule, EU diplomats said last week.
 Aid for the southeast Asian nation is also under consideration, as well as a visit soon by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, her spokesman Michael Mann said on January 18.

Denmark will double aid in 2012, says minister

THE Danish government plans to double its assistance to Myanmar this year in recognitions of the progress made on democratisation, Danish Minister for Development Cooperation Mr Christian Friis Bach said earlier this month.

Top US Republican senator Mitch McConnell to visit this week: report

WASHINGTON - Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the US Senate and longtime supporter of sanctions will pay his first visit to Myanmar to assess nascent reforms, his office said last week.

Democracy must bring real benefits

Danish Minister for Development Christian Friis Bach talks to The Myanmar Times exclusively about increasing aid, the January 3 prisoner amnesty and lifting European Union sanctions against Myanmar

US welcomes release of prisoners of conscience, ceasefire with KNU

THE American Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has hailed the release of political prisoners under the amnesty announced by the government last week.

Myanmar on 'verge of breakthrough': Daw Suu Kyi

NEW YORK - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said last week that Myanmar was “on the verge of a breakthrough to democracy” as she prepares to seek a seat in parliament following reforms.
 The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who spent most of the past two decades under house arrest before being freed in November 2010, voiced appreciation for overseas support as she accepted an award presented by the New York-based Asia Society.

Govt cuts coal plant from Dawei project

ENVIRONMENTAL activists appear to have notched another victory over foreign investors, after the government announced last week that a planned 4000-megawatt coal power plant in Dawei would not go ahead.

US to restore full diplomatic relations with Myanmar

WASHINGTON - The United States said on January 13 it would restore full diplomatic relations with Myanmar to reward its government for a prisoner release hailed by President Barack Obama as a big step towards democracy.

Hundreds of prisoners of conscience released

YANGON - The government pardoned a number of prominent dissidents, journalists and former Prime Minister Khin Nyunt last week under a major prisoner amnesty, intensifying a surprising series of reforms.