(LUXEMBOURG) - The European Union on Tuesday extended its sanctions against the regime in Myanmar for another year, adding that the measures could be increased.

The sanctions include a travel ban and the freezing of assets of Myanmar's leaders and their relatives, as well as a ban on arms exports to Yangon.

In a statement, EU foreign ministers -- who approved the extension at a meeting in Luxembourg -- encouraged the international community "to adopt similar measures".

The European Union "reiterates its call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and deplores the intensified intimidation and violence" in the run-up to a referendum next month on a new constitution.

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