Mizzima

The European Union expanded its sanctions against leaders of Myanmar's junta and army-controlled companies as Southeast Asian countries prepare for a summit in Jakarta this week, where states will discuss the never-ending crisis in Myanmar, Daily Sabah reported.

The Council of the European Union's latest sanctions target 10 individuals and two military-controlled companies already subject to sanctions by the United States, Britain and other governments. It is unclear if such moves are having any impact as the military escalates its efforts to crush opposition to its seizure of power.

The EU said the number of individuals sanctioned was expanded to 35 people it believed were responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law, for repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations. The two military-controlled companies, Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Ltd. (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corp. (MEC), have vast holdings in many industries and help to fund the military.