Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party said on Tuesday it supported sanctions on Myanmar but wanted talks with Western nations on whether to modify them, signalling a willingness to discuss a more flexible approach.
The National League for Democracy, which has long supported sanctions to pressure the military government, also suggested that responsible investment guidelines could be agreed that would ease hardship in impoverished but resource-rich Myanmar.
But it restated its insistence that the release of Myanmar's estimated 2,100 political prisoners is a "critical requirement" to end punitive measures.
"The NLD calls for discussions with the United States, the European Union, Canada and Australia with a view to reaching agreement on when, how and under what circumstances sanctions might be modified in the interests of democracy, human rights and a healthy economic environment," the party statement said.
The statement comes a day after NLD vice-chairman Tin Oo told Reuters that the pro-democracy party recommended maintaining Western sanctions on the country, where investment from China and other Asian countries has been accelerating.
"They're being more flexible and trying to work themselves into a position for negotiation," said Derek Tonkin, a Myanmar analyst and former British ambassador to Thailand.
"It's certainly a very good political statement, with some very reasonable points and a very coherent defence of sanctions. It's designed to attract attention."
Analysts say the NLD's focus on sanctions is also an effort to remain relevant in Myanmar's fast-changing political landscape. Despite its huge popularity, the NLD has no stake in the new army-dominated political system having boycotted a November 7 election, leading it its dissolution. Suu Kyi's has sizable influence over the international community and sanctions is the only real bargaining chip she has with the generals - assuming they want the restrictions lifted.