Political reform in Burma has led some countries to lift decades-old sanctions imposed in response to long-running rights abuses.  The European Union is expected to suspend all of its sanctions on April 23, leading some observers to believe the United States may soon do the same.    Progress The United States, Britain, Australia, and some European countries have responded to Burma’s recent elections and political reforms by lifting some visa and financial restrictions imposed for rights abuses. Earlier this month, British Prime Minister David Cameron made the first visit to Burma by a Western head of state since the military seized power in 1962.  He called for all European Union sanctions to be suspended, except for an arms-sales embargo. Analysts say the British position adds pressure for Washington to suspend a ban on imports and American investment. US investors The vice president of Global Policy Programs at the New York-based Asia Society, Suzanne DiMaggio, says American investors, banned since 1997, are eager to access Burma’s rich natural resources and 60 million consumers.   “Do not forget countries like China have already been investing in Burma for years,” noted DiMaggio

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Burmese Reforms Lead to Softening of Foreign Sanctions