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Burma's decision to extend pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest has triggered renewed calls for sanctions against its military rulers. The BBC looks at the existing sanctions and economic limitations in place.
EUROPEAN UNION
In 1996 the EU adopted a Common Position on Burma which included a ban on the sale or transfer of arms and weapons expertise to the country. It also suspended all bilateral aid other than humanitarian assistance. After troops violently suppressed anti-government protests in September 2007, the EU expanded its sanctions. It introduced a visa ban on members of the military regime and government, and a freeze on overseas assets held by some members of the regime. After the conviction of the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi for violating security laws in August 2009, France and Britain called for global arms and economic embargoes against Burma.
UNITED STATES
The United States first imposed wide-ranging sanctions in 1988 after Burma's crackdown on student-led protests. In 2003, the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act banned all imports from the country. It restricted financial transactions, froze the assets of some financial institutions and extended visa restrictions on officials. The Tom Lantos Block Burmese Jade (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 imposed a specific ban on jadeite and rubies mined in Burma, and on jewellery containing either precious stone made in the country. US President Barack Obama renewed existing sanctions against Burma in May 2009.
CANADA
Canada imposed sanctions on Burma in 2007 which banned exports, apart from humanitarian goods, and barred imports. The assets of Burmese citizens connected to the junta were frozen. Canada also outlawed the provision of financial services and technical data to Burma.
ASIA PACIFIC
Japan cut aid to Burma in October 2007. South-east Asian grouping Asean has previously opposed the use of sanctions against Burma. But in response to the conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi key members of the regional trading bloc have called for an urgent meeting to discuss their stance. Australia has maintained visa restrictions on senior Burmese military figures and a ban on defence exports since 1988. New Zealand has a long-standing ban on visas for military leaders and their families.
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