(Asahi: November 14, 2015 – p. 11)

 By Toshihiko Ogata, roving correspondent

 Acting U.S. Under Secretary of the Treasury Adam Szubin gave an interview to Asahi Shimbun on the evening of Nov. 12. He indicated that the U.S.’s gradual easing of sanctions on Myanmar helped the democratization process in that country.

 The Obama administration substantially relaxed its sanctions on Myanmar after it transitioned to a parliamentary government in 2011. Szubin explained: “When people talk about sanctions, they often focus on the imposition and not the lifting of sanctions. However, I believe the greatest success of sanctions comes at the moment they are lifted.” He added: “We have adjusted our sanctions on Myanmar positively based on progress (made in reforms).”

 Commenting on North Korea’s threats to test fire long-range ballistic missiles, Szubin warned: “If it proceeds to fire missiles, this will constitute a serious provocation and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. We will take this very seriously.”