Obama Renews Myanmar Sanctions Citing Threat to US National Security

The government of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has implemented important reforms, but continues to pose a national security threat to the United States, President Barack Obama said in a statement renewing sanctions against the Myanmar government on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In a letter to the US Congress, Obama detailed the "significant progress" the Myanmar government had made since 2011, including the release of more than 1,300 political prisoners, a competitive election, a ceasefire agreement with armed groups and the signing of international arms treaties.

"Despite these strides, the situation in Myanmar continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," Obama wrote.

The White House had previously indicated it would adjust long-standing sanctions against Myanmar following parliamentary elections last year in which the country’s military-led government allowed long-time opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to participate.

Suu Kyi is now leading the government, but the White House on Tuesday said it is concerned about "continued obstacles to full civilian control of the government" as well as persistent human rights abuses in the country and ongoing military trade with North Korea.

US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to visit Myanmar on May 22 to meet with officials in the civilian-led government and push for additional democratic and economic reforms, according to the US Department of State.