Obama extends some sanctions against Myanmar despite reforms

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk across the South Lawn as they return to the White House in Washington, May 15, 2014. REUTERS/Jim Bourg

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama extended some economic sanctions against Myanmar for another year on Thursday, telling Congress the step is needed despite some progress on reforms made by the country formerly known as Burma.

Obama notified leaders of Congress in a letter that he was renewing for another year the National Emergencies Act, which prohibits U.S. businesses and individuals from investing in Myanmar or doing business with Myanmar figures involved in repression of the democracy movement since the mid-1990s.