In April, the EU formally agreed to suspend most sanctions against Burma for a year but retain its arms embargo.

BBC: Australia to lift Burma sanctions and double aid

The committee's review - which is looking at several aspects of presiding officer elections - is considering whether they would be formally required to suspend political party membership while they are in the job.

BBC: Review of Holyrood presiding officer election rules

The government has now formally asked the High Court to suspend the men's legal action, saying they hoped the six would enter talks by mid-October.

BBC: Foreign Office officials 'backed Guantanamo detentions'