Myanmar junta urges West to lift sanctions

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YANGON, Aug 20 (Reuters): Army-ruled Myanmar urged Western countries Thursday to lift economic sanctions and allow the country to modernise and achieve its democratic goals.
A commentary in three official newspapers, which serve as mouthpieces for the reclusive junta, praised "visionary" United States officials who were critical of sanctions, which it said would not bring the downfall of the government.
"The more anti-government groups exercise economic sanctions as a means to put pressure on the government, the further the goal of democracy aspired by the people will divert from its route," the newspapers said.