The United States is not considering lifting sanctions against Myanmar as part of a review of policy toward the junta, a State Department official said in a letter seen by AFP on Tuesday.
The State Department presented its position in a letter to a congressman who supports strong pressure against the military regime in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
"The sanctions that the United States and other countries maintain against the regime are an important part of our efforts to support change in Burma," Richard Verma, the assistant secretary for legislative affairs, wrote to Representative Peter King.
Verma, who handles relations between the State Department and Congress, said reports that the United States would lift sanctions were "incorrect."
US President Barack Obama has offered to reach out to US adversaries and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that she wants to find a "better way" to sway Myanmar's military leaders.
"While we are currently reviewing our Burma policy, we can assure you that we remain committed to delivering a firm message on the need for real reform, including the initiation of a credible and inclusive dialogue with the democratic opposition and the release of political prisoners," Verma said.
The junta has kept pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for nearly 20 years. The Nobel laureate led her party to victory in 1990 but the junta never allowed the election to stand.
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