With US sanctions on Burma being extended with amendments, and US Secretary of State, John Kerry paying a visit to the country, US policy on Burma has become clarified. It will continue to engage and support the country, especially in facilitating free markets and investment, yet reservations around the military’s role in the political domain, certain crony individuals and businesses, and the continued persecution of the Rohingya convey the message that support is not absolute, and more reforms need to take place.
On 17 May, 2016, US sanctions were extended by another 12 months with certain amendments. All banks in Burma have now been taken off the sanctions list, thus making it easier for US businesses to operate, yet certain individuals with close ties with the military and the former regime remain on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, thus barring any US businesses from dealing with them. The ban on businesses investing in jade and other precious stones remains. President Barack Obama, when notifying Congress, explained the reasoning behind the continued sanctions, “The political opening remains nascent, and concerns persist regarding ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas, particularly in Rakhine [Arakan] State, and the continued role of the military in the country’s political and economic activities.” (Courtesy of burmapartnership.org)
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