The United States refused to follow in the footsteps of Canada and the EU on Wednesday by ruling out an immediate end to its main sanctions on Myanmar.

Both the EU and Canada suspended most sanctions on the regime earlier this week, while Japan waived $3.7 billion (2.8 billion euros) of the country's debt in response to a series of democratic changes introduced by President Thein Sein.

Although the US eased some restrictions, including a ban on financial transactions by US non-governmental organizations, the reforms were not enough to convince the US that Myanmar was committed to a democratic transition.

USdiplomat for East Asia Kurt Campbell told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday that while the reforms remained "fragile and reversible" and human rights abuses were continuing, the US required leverage to put pressure on the regime.

"I would simply say that there is no intention to 'lift' sanctions," Campbell said."We recognize very clearly that there have to be provisions and capabilities to be able to respond if there is a reversal or a stalling out [of reforms], that leverage is an essential component of our strategy."

Tentative democratic steps

He did, however, hail actions taken by Thein Sein, including the decision to allow long-time opposition leader and former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi to run in the April 1 by-election that saw her win representation in parliament.

He also welcomed the release of more than 500 political prisoners since last October, but noted that at least several hundred were still behind bars.

The United States currently enforces strict sanctions against exports from Myanmar, including on gems, lumber and other lucrative products seen as sources of funding for the military regime.

ccp/slk (AFP, AP)