Myanmar's Suu Kyi: No reason to lift sanctions

Ms Suu Kyi, asked by Reuters at a party function on Saturday to elaborate, said sanctions had to be discussed. -- PHOTO: AP

YANGON - MYANMAR'S pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said on Saturday she saw no reason for Western countries to lift sanctions against the military-dominated government, but the issue had to be discussed.

Myanmar, ruled by the military since a 1962 coup, held its first elections in two decades last year and authorities later released Ms Suu Kyi from house arrest. But the military shows no sign of loosening its grip.

Ms Suu Kyi's political party said on Tuesday it supported Western sanctions but wanted talks on whether to modify them, signalling a willingness to discuss a more flexible approach.

Ms Suu Kyi, asked by Reuters at a party function on Saturday to elaborate, said sanctions had to be discussed.

'Whether or not to lift the sanctions is something to be decided after discussions,' she said.

'At the present situation, I don't see any reason to lift the sanctions.' She did not elaborate on who should discuss the issue. -- REUTERS