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EU mulls tougher Burma sanctions EU mulls tougher Burma sanctions
(about 1 hour later)
European Union foreign ministers are to discuss tougher sanctions against Burma's junta as the crackdown on pro-democracy activists continues.European Union foreign ministers are to discuss tougher sanctions against Burma's junta as the crackdown on pro-democracy activists continues.
At their monthly meeting in Luxembourg, the foreign ministers are expected to ban imports of gemstones, timber and metals from Burma.At their monthly meeting in Luxembourg, the foreign ministers are expected to ban imports of gemstones, timber and metals from Burma.
They will also voice support for the efforts of UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who is currently back in the region.They will also voice support for the efforts of UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who is currently back in the region.
Burma's generals already face an EU travel ban and a freeze on assets.Burma's generals already face an EU travel ban and a freeze on assets.
BBC European affairs correspondent Oana Lungescu says the generals can now expect fresh embargoes on some of their more lucrative exports - including jade, rubies and teak.BBC European affairs correspondent Oana Lungescu says the generals can now expect fresh embargoes on some of their more lucrative exports - including jade, rubies and teak.
We cannot forget ... the deaths and human rights abuses we know are still taking place Gordon Brown,UK prime minister We cannot forget ... the death and human rights abuses we know are still taking place Gordon Brown,UK prime minister
However, European sanctions have had practically no impact on Burma, as more than 90% of the country's trade is with its Asian neighbours, she says.However, European sanctions have had practically no impact on Burma, as more than 90% of the country's trade is with its Asian neighbours, she says.
The new measures will not prevent the French energy giant Total from doing business with the junta, though diplomats say that may come later.The new measures will not prevent the French energy giant Total from doing business with the junta, though diplomats say that may come later.
Rounded upRounded up
Meanwhile, the UN envoy arrived in Thailand on Sunday night for an Asian tour designed to increase pressure on Burma.Meanwhile, the UN envoy arrived in Thailand on Sunday night for an Asian tour designed to increase pressure on Burma.
Mr Gambari is expected to visit Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, India and China, before returning to Burma for a follow-up visit.Mr Gambari is expected to visit Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, India and China, before returning to Burma for a follow-up visit.
Monks led last month's violently suppressed street protestsMonks led last month's violently suppressed street protests
Earlier this month, he met senior junta officials as well as detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.Earlier this month, he met senior junta officials as well as detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ahead of Monday's meeting in Luxembourg, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown led calls for tougher sanctions.Ahead of Monday's meeting in Luxembourg, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown led calls for tougher sanctions.
"We cannot forget the images on our television screens of monks and ordinary citizens in Burma protesting, nor the deaths and human rights abuses we know are still taking place," he said. "We cannot forget the images on our television screens of monks and ordinary citizens in Burma protesting, nor the death and human rights abuses we know are still taking place," he said.
Burma's security forces at the weekend rounded up three of the remaining leaders from last month's demonstrations, according to human rights group Amnesty International.Burma's security forces at the weekend rounded up three of the remaining leaders from last month's demonstrations, according to human rights group Amnesty International.
Last week, the UN Security Council condemned the generals' crackdown on the protests. The regime said it "deeply regretted" the statement.Last week, the UN Security Council condemned the generals' crackdown on the protests. The regime said it "deeply regretted" the statement.
Burma says it arrested about 100 monks in recent weeks and that only 10 people died during its crackdown on protests, but correspondents say the true figures are probably much higher.Burma says it arrested about 100 monks in recent weeks and that only 10 people died during its crackdown on protests, but correspondents say the true figures are probably much higher.