U.S. renews sanctions against Myanmar

18 May 2015
U.S. renews sanctions against Myanmar
The North Fence of the White House in Washington DC, USA. EPA/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

President Barack Obama has renewed for a year his authority to maintain U.S. sanctions against Myanmar according to Fox Business on 15 May 2015.
The White House informed Congress on Friday, five days before the existing authority was due to expire, stating that despite significant progress, concerns persist over conflict and human rights abuses, particularly in ethnic minority areas and Rakhine State.
The announcement was made amid international concern over the plight of thousands of minority Rohingya Muslims who have fled sectarian violence in Myanmar and are stranded in boats in the Andaman Sea.
The U.S. eased broad economic sanctions in 2012 to reward Myanmar's shift from direct military rule but it still restricts business with some individuals and companies.