We have witnessed wonderful scenes from Burma following Aung San Suu Kyi's election victory. But, as Zoya Phan (First steps to freedom, 3 April) highlights, the challenges ahead remain enormous. Real power is still in the hands of the president and the military. Hundreds of political prisoners languish in jail and, despite peace talks, the army continues to inflict atrocities against minorities. The European Union is keen to support the nascent reforms. However, to ensure progress, key economic sanctions identified in the EU common position must remain until Burma fulfils the promise of genuine, durable democratic reform.
Sanctions continue to be a valuable part of the pressure for reform. To relinquish such leverage before any of the EU's benchmarks for progress have been met would be a damaging mistake.
The UK, with other like-minded member states, should resist calls for the weakening of sanctions.
Glenys Kinnock
Chair of all-party parliamentary group on democracy in Burma, House of Lords
