Myanmar anticipates total lift of EU sanctions

Yangon, April 21 (IANS) Foreign ministers of the European Union are to meet in Luxembourg Monday to decide on withdrawing all sanctions against Myanmar, exactly a year after the grouping announced suspension of most sanctions for a year except the arms embargo.

EU's expected total lifting of all sanctions against Myanmar in recognition of its significant reform process would boost EU's investment in the country and further promote Myanmar-EU relations, reports Xinhua.

In March, Myanmar President U Thein Sein paid an 11-day goodwill visit to Norway, Finland, Austria, Belgium and Italy. The milestone trip has brought about enhancement of bilateral ties with EU countries.

He proposed further cooperation for political reform, peace building, economic reform and environmental conservation.

Relations between Myanmar and the EU improved following the visit of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.