Bush unveils new US sanctions on Myanmar

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush slapped fresh sanctions Thursday on state-run Myanmar firms, charging their profits help the ruling junta there resist international pressure to enact democratic reforms.

"Today, I'm sending yet another clear message that we expect there to be change, that we expect these generals to honor the will of the people," Bush said, charging that the regime was rigging a May 10 constitutional referendum.

Junta leader "Than Shwe and his regime are ensuring that the referendum vote will be on a dangerously flawed constitution, and will not be free, fair, or credible," the US president said.

Bush announced that he had signed an executive order instructing the US Treasury Department to freeze the assets of state-owned...