For decades, sanctions have been used as a diplomatic tool to pressure governments to change their bad behavior. VOA's Margaret Besheer takes a look at how sanctions are imposed and enforced.

Esteves, the Portuguese ambassador says the European Union wants the military junta to release all political prisoners, and also pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. He urges the Burmese military to allow the expert, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, to enter the country to conduct his investigation. Pinheiro, who is critical of Burma's human rights record, has been refused entry.

This news release is issued in respect of the financial sanctions taken against Burma/Myanmar.

The United States will slap fresh sanctions on Sudan over the Darfur conflict on Tuesday and seek a tough new UN Security Council resolution punishing Khartoum.