Considering decisions taken by its Government as part of economic and political reforms, US has decided to lift visa ban on Myanmar, but will continue with emergency against country for one more year.
“The steps acknowledge important change the government of Burma has made. They encourage and empower government and people to continue on the path of political and economic reform,” a senior administration official said after President Barack Obama issued necessary orders in this regard.
US identifies Myanmar with its previous name Burma. In his letter to Congress, Obama said the Government of Myanmar has made significant progress in number of critical areas including release of political prisoners, achieving ceasefire talks with 11 armed ethnic groups, taking steps toward removing press censorship and enabling participation of Opposition parties in country’s political system.
Obama noted that situation in Myanmar continues to pose “unusual and extraordinary threat to security and foreign policy of US”, especially in view its “continued military relationship” with North Korea.