The military that ran Myanmar for decades will continue to play a major role in the country, said the former general who has presided over the transformation of a nation that only three years ago was considered one of the world’s most repressive.WASHINGTON – The United States is poised to allow U.S. companies to invest with Myanmar’s state oil and gas enterprise as the Obama administration takes its biggest step yet to roll back sanctions. It marks a rare break from pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi last month advised against investment by foreign companies with that enterprise because of concerns over its accountability and transparency.
Her comments reflected the growing disagreement between human rights groups and business advocates over how the U.S. should proceed in easing restrictions to reward Myanmar’s shift from five decades of authoritarian rule.
The administration is expected to announce this week a general license, opening all sectors of Myanmar’s economy to American companies.
