US imposes new sanctions on Burma

The US has said it will impose new financial sanctions on relatives of leaders in Burma's military regime and those linked to a powerful businessman.

The new order will add to sanctions against associates of Tay Za, who the US Treasury described as an arms dealer and financier of the regime.

"They are people related to the junta and companies participating with them in business," the White House said.

The decision follows sanctions imposed on the regime by the US in September.

The US started imposing sanctions after the military-run government of Burma began cracking down on pro-democracy protests, led by Buddhist monks, which took place in September.

The crackdown will also focus on the Htoo Group of Companies, which acts on behalf of the military regime, including buying military equipment and aircraft for the country, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

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UN human rights agency
Burmese ministry of foreign affairs
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