EU Parliament Calls For Increased Sanctions On Burma

The European Union's parliament has condemned Burma's military rulers for what the parliament called their "total failure to make any significant move towards democracy."

The parliament said in a resolution on Thursday that the ruling junta has relentlessly suppressed the Burmese people for more than 40 years. The parliament called for wider sanctions against the government.

It urged the EU Council to expand sanctions to include all members of the ruling junta as well has their family members and any business leaders associated with them.

The parliament also urged Burma's neighbors to take a stronger stance against abuses by the military government.

In addition, it called on the United Nations Security Council to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy in Burma and the release of all political prisoners.