Oct 15, 2007 (AP), The European Union on Monday widened its sanctions against Myanmar, adding a ban on imports of timber, gemstones and precious metals in response to the military junta’s crackdown on pro-democracy groups.

The EU foreign ministers said in a statement it was "necessary to increase direct pressure on the regime" in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

They banned exports of equipment used in the country’s timber and mining industries, and prohibited EU nations from importing from or investing in those sectors in Myanmar.

The measures