US to lift some financial sanctions against Burma

Washington, Apr 18 (ANI): The United States has announced that it would relax some financial sanctions against Burma to support humanitarian, religious and other nonprofit activities in the country.

The US treasury department will also lift financial restrictions on sporting ties and 'non-commercial development projects directly benefiting the Burmese people'.

The department made the announcement as part of attempts to reward democratic reforms that are under way in the country, The BBC reports.

Earlier this month US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said some travel and financial restrictions would be relaxed, with Burmese leaders allowed to visit America.

On Monday, Australia announced it would ease travel and financial restrictions on about 260 Burmese nationals, including President Thein Sein.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also said on Friday that the UK was considering suspending sanctions.

Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party won 43 seats in this month's by-elections, said the suspension of sanctions would 'strengthen the hand of the reformers'. (ANI)