The steps taken Monday were the results of a decision announced in April to suspend most remaining sanctions.

Specifically, it would suspend sanctions on exports, but not imports.

However, on April 22 the EU suspended economic and political sanctions against Burma.

Arms control experts contend that the list of conditions for suspending sanctions must be left open-ended so inspectors can add to it if necessary.

One option, some Council diplomats suggested, would be to pass a resolution suspending sanctions, but delay a decision to lift them.

Meantime, Moscow would have to suspend economic sanctions against Lithuania.

Performance improved after the UN suspended sanctions in April 1999.

The committee has the explicit power to suspend sanctions conditional upon voluntary entry into treatment.

It further permits the President to suspend or modify sanctions once three of the last four conditions were achieved.

France took a middle ground earlier this week with a surprise proposal to suspend civilian sanctions immediately.