Asian and European foreign ministers have urged Burma to speed up democratic reforms, but stopped short of making specific demands.
A joint statement released at the end of the 38-nation Asia-Europe Meeting in Kyoto, Japan today -Saturday, called for democracy in Burma. The ministers did not make demands, such as the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Last year, EU foreign ministers renewed sanctions for a year against Burma that restrict travel by officials and prevent investment in the country.
Europe and the United States, both with heavy sanctions in place against Burma, have threatened to boycott meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations if Burma assumes the rotating chairmanship next year.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.
