BURMA CAMPAIGN UK WELCOMES EU SANCTIONS ON TIMBER AND GEMS ENTERPRISES

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the imposition of sanctions on state owned timber and gems enterprises, and on the Myanmar War Veterans Organisation (MWVO).

Timber and gems are significant revenue earners for the military, and the MWVO is part of the military and also has significant business interests, including in transport. Burma Campaign UK has been campaigning for the EU to sanction the timber and gems industry and the MWVO.

“These new sanctions from the EU are very welcome, not only cutting revenue to the military but also letting them know that economic pressure will keep increasing,” said Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The EU must now also look at creative ways to stop oil and gas revenue reaching the military. It is vital to continue to systematically identify and cut sources of revenue to the military.”

Almost 900 people have been killed and more than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the military coup on 1^st February.

The EU has also announced sanctions on 8 more individuals, bringing the total to 43.

The full EU statement is available here.

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