New US Sanctions against Burma #3

U.S. Treasury Department's freezing of the assets of 14 senior members of the Burma junta has been expanded on Friday to include 11 more members. In addition, President Bush decided to extend the sanctions to 12 individuals associated with Burma's government.

Washington's move to broaden the scope of existing economic sanctions on Myanmar is in response to the military regime's continuing suppression of pro-democracy supporters. This is in addition to substantial trade, investment and diplomatic sanctions that the U.S. has already imposed on the Southeast Asian country.

"We must not turn a deaf ear to their cries," Bush said referring to those who had to bear the brunt of the military regime. "Burma's rulers continue to defy the world's just demand to stop their vicious persecution," the President added explaining his decision in Washington Friday.

While admiring countries that have joined in sanctions on Myanmar, Bush asked others to follow in line to pressure the junta for democratic reforms in the country.

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• Bush imposes new sanctions on repressive Myanmar regime and its backers