The EU`s recent action is part of an international effort in supporting Myanmar`s transformation and democratization," Marty said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia welcomes the European Union`s decision to suspend most of the sanctions imposed upon Myanmar as a show of support of the latest developments in the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said here on Monday.

"Indonesia welcomes the EU`s decision to suspend most of its sanctions against Myanmar. Looking at the latest situation in Myanmar, we believe that the international world needs to ensure the transformation there is irreversible. The EU`s recent action is part of an international effort in supporting Myanmar`s transformation and democratization," said the minister.

Earlier, Reuters news agency reported that the European Union agreed on Monday to suspend most of its sanctions against Myanmar for one year, despite a dispute over a parliamentary oath between Myanmar`s ruling, army-backed party and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

In the first clear sign of friction since Suu Kyi`s party swept historic by-elections, the ruling party on Monday rejected her demand to replace the words "safeguard the constitution" with "respect the constitution" in the oath.

Despite the row, EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend its sanctions during a meeting in Luxembourg in recognition of democratic reforms in Myanmar following half a century of military rule.

The suspension, which does not apply to a separate arms embargo, is expected to go into effect later this week. It will allow European companies to invest in Myanmar, which has significant natural resources, as well as neighbors China and India.

The EU move rewards a shift in Myanmar`s political environment that has seen Suu Kyi elected to parliament and a range of repressive measures lifted.

Yet, the dispute in Myanmar has marred the opening of parliament, as Suu Kyi and other members of her party refused to take their seats, denting an image of transformation.

By choosing to suspend sanctions, instead of lifting them altogether, EU governments are moving cautiously in order to pressure the ruling army-backed party to maintain the pace of change.

"President Thein Sein has taken important steps towards reform in Burma, and it is right for the world to respond to them," British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement after the EU decision.

"But those changes are not yet irreversible, which is why it is right to suspend, rather than lift sanctions for good."

EU measures have targeted nearly one thousand firms and institutions whose assets have been frozen, and visa bans have affected almost 500 people. The sanctions have also prohibited military-related technical assistance and investment bans in the mining, timber and precious metals sectors.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012