President Obama on Wednesday ended U.S. sanctions against Cote d'Ivoire and promised to do the same for Myanmar in response to political reforms by the Asian country.
The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday eased or entirely lifted certain sanctions against Myanmar amid efforts by the country's political elite to induce foreign investment and transition from military to democratic rule.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license Friday allowing American banks to transact with four financial institutions in Myanmar included on its Specially Designated Nationals List.
Any changes to U.S. economic sanctions policies on Sudan and Myanmar will be slow moving, if they occur at all, despite recent diplomatic overtures and speculation, say analysts.
U.S. lawmakers, responding to a violent crackdown on protesters in August, are seeking to stop Myanmar's military leadership from importing rubies into the U.S. and laundering the proceeds through U.S. companies with business interests in Myanmar.
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