US formally removes former generals from blocked list

President Barack Obama signed an executive order terminating the national emergency, revoking the Myanmar Sanctions Executive Orders and waiving other statutory blocking and financial sanctions.

The financial sanctions were imposed with the Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 and the Jade Act of 2008. All individuals and entities blocked pursuant to the Burmese Sanctions Regulations have been removed from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

The ban on exports of Myanmar's jade and rubies, and any jewelry containing them, has been revoked. Among those who are removed from the blocked lists are former military chief Than Shwe and his deputy Maung Aye, the current, military-appointed Vice President Myint Swe, Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maung Oo, Nyaun Win, Lun Thi, Kyaw Win, Ye Myint, Aung Htwe, Tin Naing Thein, Thein Zaw, Saw Tun, Dr Chan Nyein, Zaw Min, U Thaung, Hla Tun, Saw Lwin, Soe Tha, Dr Kyaw Myint and former Yangon mayor Aung Thein Lin.

In addition, the US removed businessmen Tay Za, Zaw Zaw, Tun Myint Naing, Khin Shwe, Htay Myint, Aung Thet Mann and others from the blocked list.

Htoo Groups of Companies, Max, Yuzana, Zaygaba, Asia World, Ayar Shwe War, Air Bagan, Ayeyawady Bank and Asia Green Development Bank, the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, Myanmar Economic Corporation and related businesses are removed from the blocked list. The termination of the sanctions does not impact on individuals or entities blocked under the Office of the Foreign Assets Control, such as counter-narcotics sanctions. They remained on the watchlist, and their property and assets would still be blocked, the US Treasury Department said. Washington said the move was recognition of Myanmar's moves towards democratisation.

- Myanmar Eleven

Asia News Network