Sanctions under the spotlight in Burma

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's re-emergence from seven years' incarceration has thrust the issue of Western sanctions back onto the agenda in Burma. The pro- democracy leader said during a speech yesterday that she was willing to enter into dialogue with Western nations to lift sanctions on the country if the Burmese people wanted it.

Embargoes by the United States, Australian and European Union, intended to push the generals towards reforms, have been criticised as ineffective as long as neighbours China, Thailand and India pour investment into the country, enriching the regime.

“We like to think that they (the sanctions) have been effective,” says spokesperson for Burma Action Ireland, Caoimhe Hughes, speaking to Lydia O’Kane.

But she adds it is time “to talk about sanctions with the people, I think she is right to want to talk to the people about what their opinions are on sanctions.”

The release of the pro-democracy leader from house arrest on Saturday, six days after a much-criticised election, means she will have no official political role but could serve as a crucial go-between for the West and the country's reclusive military rulers towards reviewing sanctions. Listen to full interview here