Myanmar hails EU lifting of political and economic sanctions, says to continue reforms

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei – Myanmar has hailed a European Union decision lifting political and economic sanctions against the former pariah state, pledging to continue its reforms and march toward democracy.

Senior Myanmar diplomat Aung Lynn told reporters on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations conference in Brunei's capital Tuesday that the international community can expect more reforms, especially in the socio-economic sectors.

Aung Lynn says Myanmar is looking forward to assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for the first time next year, and will show to the world how serious his country is with its reforms.

Myanmar declined the chairmanship in 2006 amid threats by Western governments to boycott ASEAN events due to Myanmar's then atrocious human rights record.