The US Congress has extended import restrictions on the military regime in Burma until substantial progress is made to promote democracy and end human rights abuses.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that Monday's vote to renew the sanctions sends a clear message that those fighting for democracy and human rights in Burma are not alone in their struggle.
She said the passage of the resolution shows that the American people continue to stand with Burma's democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and freedom seeking people.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been under some form of detention for most of the past 18 years. Her political party, the National League for Democracy, won elections in 1990, but the government has never accepted those results.
The United Nations estimates there are 1,100 political prisoners in Burma.
Burma has been ruled by the military since 1962.
Information for this story is provided by AP.
