WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Tuesday after the Obama Administration announced it would renew sanctions in Burma:

“I support the President’s decision to renew sanctions for Burma as provided under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

“Aung San Suu Kyi is to be commended for her leadership, particularly as her nation begins a new era with a NLD-led government after last year’s historic elections.  Burma is making meaningful political and economic progress, but its future remains uncertain. I believe the renewal of sanctions will sustain these ongoing reforms in Burma, and support the economic growth, human rights prioritization, and genuine national reconciliation that are essential to keep the country moving forward. 

“As Senator Gardner and I recently wrote to Secretaries Kerry and Lew, maintaining a transparent and flexible Specially Designated Nationals list for Burma also remains important for encouraging reform while simultaneously targeting “bad actors” who would disrupt such progress that millions of Burmese have fought for and have come to expect.”

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