Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – The Burmese Parliament this week will discuss economic sanctions imposed on Burma by the European Union and Western countries.

The motion was introduced and supported by MPs of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the National Democratic Force (NDF).

The issue is expected to be discussed on Monday. The motion was seconded by seven MPs. NDF MPs Thein Nyunt and Dr. Myat Nyarna Soe spoke in favour of the motion, said an  MP who attended the session.

MP Hla Myint of the All Mon Region Democratic Party said the motion does not go far enough by only ‘opposing’ the sanctions, and it should request that the sanctions be lifted.

The speaker of Parliament read a condolence message for the victims of the earthquake which struck northeastern Burma on Thursday night.

The current session of Parliament is likely to end this week with the assignment of portfolios to new government ministers.

In other business, MP Dr. Aye Maung moved that farmers who lost livestock due to the avian flu should receive compensation from the government. The motion was approved unanimously and will come up for discussion on Monday.

Also approved for discussion on Monday was a motion by MP Dr. Myat Nyarna Soe of the NDF to give assistance to migrant workers.

Responding to a question about a salary increase for government workers, Minister of Industry (1) Aung Thaung said the rumour of a salary increase for government employees was created by false news broadcasts by exiled media, and the rumour contributed to an increase in commodity prices.