EU eases Myanmar travel restrictions

BRUSSELS, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- European Union foreign ministers, recognizing Myanmar's political reforms, agreed to ease travel restrictions on its senior government officials.

The EU action would suspend the visa ban on Myanmar's president, vice presidents, Cabinet members and parliamentary speaker, CNN reported Tuesday.

The EU foreign ministers, who met in Brussels, recognized the "remarkable program of political reform" by Myanmar's new military-backed civilian government.

The reforms have included the release of hundreds of political and other prisoners, the freeing of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest and allowing her and her party to participate in the April parliamentary by-elections and agreeing to pursue peace efforts with ethnic rebel groups.

The United States, also recognizing the reforms, has announced plans to exchange ambassadors with Myanmar.

The new government in Myanmar, formerly called Burma, came to power after elections in November 2010, replacing decades of military rule.

EU foreign ministers said the suspension of he visa ban against Myanmar President Thein Sein and other officials is "a first step" that could lead to further easing of restrictions as Myanmar introduces more reforms.