Washington, June 12: The Senate overwhelmingly approved economic penalties against Myanmar following the military government's arrest of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and its crackdown on her pro-democracy movement. The sanctions, approved 97-1, would ban US imports of goods from Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. The measure would freeze the assets of the ruling junta and require the United States to oppose loans to Myanmar from international financial institutions.

"Supporters of a Free Burma believe that serving the cause of freedom is America's challenge and obligation,'' said Senator Mitch McConnell, the No. 2 Senate Republican. "We should not abandon the people of Burma during the greatest moments of need.''

The House International Relations Committee was expected to endorse a similar bill today.

Representative Tom Lantos, the committee's top Democrat, said the sanctions "will have a direct impact on the wallets of the Burmese generals who run Burma's factories while suppressing democracy.''

Suu Kyi was arrested on May 30 following clashes between her supporters and government backers. A UN envoy, Razali Ismail, said she was uninjured and that he expects the government to release her in two weeks. World leaders, including President George W Bush, have called for her immediate release.

Only one senator opposed the sanctions: Senator Mike Enzi, a Republican from Wyoming. Democratic senators John Kerry and Charles Schumer did not vote.

Bureau Report