India halts arms sales to Myanmar

[Original Source - By The Denver Post]
WASHINGTON — India has halted all arms sales and transfers to Myanmar, a development that could increase international pressure on the military junta that brutally crushed the pro-democracy "Saffron Revolution" led by monks this fall.

The Indian government's decision has not been officially announced, but diplomatic sources said it has been privately confirmed by New Delhi to top U.S. officials in recent weeks.

In a little-noticed statement, first lady Laura Bush noted the decision in a video teleconference she held on Dec. 10 in recognition of International Human Rights Day. Ticking off actions taken by countries around the world in response to the crackdown, Bush said, "India, one of Burma's closest trading partners, has stopped selling arms to the junta."

A spokesman for the Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is regarded as one of the world's most repressive nations.