22 Apr 2013
The BBC has obtained police video showing officers standing by while Buddhist rioters attacked minority Muslims in the Burmese town of Meiktila.
The footage shows a mob destroying a Muslim gold shop and then setting fire to houses. A man is seen on fire.
It was filmed last month, when at least 43 people were killed in Meiktila.
Meanwhile the EU is expected to decide whether to lift sanctions imposed on Burma, in response to recent reforms.
It is thought likely that despite concerns about the treatment of minorities, Brussels will confirm that the sanctions, which were suspended a year ago, are now permanently lifted.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has said this is the right time to permanently lift all sanctions against Burma, except the arms embargo.
Speaking at the EU meeting of foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Mr Hague said he had spoken to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who agreed with lifting the sanctions.
He did not comment directly on pictures obtained by the BBC which show Burmese police looking on as Buddhist mobs attack Muslims.
The sanctions include the freezing of assets of more than 1,000 Burmese companies, travel restrictions on officials, and a ban on EU investment in many areas. However, an arms embargo is expected to remain in place.
The move is a response to political change under President Thein Sein, who came to power after elections in November 2010. His administration has freed many political prisoners and relaxed censorship.
Ms Suu Kyi, who was under house arrest for many years, leads a pro-democracy opposition which has a small presence in parliament.
Documented violence
Some human rights groups, however, have warned that sanctions should not be lifted until the government addresses issues including recent violence against Muslims.CONTINUED
Some human rights groups, however, have warned that sanctions should not be lifted until the government addresses issues including recent violence against Muslims.CONTINUED
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