An EU plan to buy oil from rebel-held areas of Syria is illegal and an "act of aggression," the Syrian foreign ministry warned on Tuesday in letters to the United Nations. "In an unprecedented decision that contradicts international law and the UN Charter... the European Union has decided to allow member states to import petrol... under the pretext of supporting the opposition," state news agency SANA reported, citing the letters. "It is an illegal decision and an act of aggression."

EU foreign ministers agreed Monday to lift the last of the bloc's trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar, hailing "a new chapter" with the once pariah state. "In response to the changes that have taken place and in the expectation that they will continue, the Council (of ministers) has decided to lift all sanctions with the exception of the embargo on arms," said a statement approved without a vote. "The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma, building a lasting partnership," it added.

European Union foreign ministers on Monday eased an oil embargo against Syria with the aim of helping rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Under the deal, European firms seeking to import Syrian crude or invest in the energy sector would ask for authorisation from their government, which in turn would confer with Syria's opposition National Coalition to secure its agreement.

The European Union plans to lift the last of its trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar on Monday as it embarks on "a new chapter" with the once pariah state. "The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma, building a lasting partnership," said the draft of an EU foreign ministers' statement obtained by AFP.