Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

NZ to look at relationship with Myanmar

Updated at 5:44 pm on 10 January 2012

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says it will look at its relationship with Myanmar, following positive political developments in the southeast Asian country.

Myanmar has vowed to free more political prisoners. The new civilian-led but still military backed administration has also freed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and begun a process of dialogue.

In response, Australia has announced it will ease travel sanctions.

However, a spokesperson for MFAT says New Zealand never had any unilateral sanctions against Myanmar.

Instead, any nationals who apply to enter New Zealand are assessed against immigration criteria, including character requirements.

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