Myanmar's lawmakers attend a regular session of the parliament at the Lower House in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, July 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)
July 11, 2012 - 3:00 AM
WASHINGTON - The United States is poised to allow U.S. companies to invest with Myanmar's state oil and gas enterprise as the Obama administration takes its biggest step yet to roll back sanctions, marking a rare break from pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (ahng sahn soo chee).
Suu Kyi, who has been the guiding force on U.S. policies toward Myanmar, last month advised against investment by foreign companies with that enterprise because of concerns over its accountability and transparency.
Her comments reflected the growing disagreement between human rights groups and business advocates over how the U.S. should proceed in easing restrictions to reward Myanmar's shift from five decades of authoritarian rule.
The administration is expected to announce this week a general license, opening all sectors of Myanmar's economy to American companies.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012