US President Joe Biden said on Monday the United States may re-impose sanctions on Myanmar in connection with the most recent coup there.
In a statement, Biden said that Washington will “stand up for democracy wherever it is under attack.” “The military’s seizure of power in Burma, the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials, and the declaration of a national state of emergency are a direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and the rule of law,” Biden said in a statement.
“The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy. The reversal of that progress will necessitate an immediate review of our sanction laws and authorities, followed by appropriate action. The United States will stand up for democracy wherever it is under attack,” the President added.
The US President further said that in a democracy, force should never seek to overrule the will of the people or attempt to erase the outcome of a credible election. “For almost a decade, the people of Burma have been steadily working to establish elections, civilian governance, and the peaceful transfer of power. That progress should be respected,” he added.
Meanwhile, Indian Embassy in Yangon issued a notification on Tuesday, urging Indian citizens to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. “In view of the recent developments, all Indians Citizens are required to take due precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. They may get in touch with the Embassy if required,” the notice read.
This comes as State Counselor Aung Suu Kyi along with other top politicians were detained in the early hours of Monday, with Myanmar’s military declaring a one-year state of emergency after weeks of escalating tensions over allegations of vote-rigging in the November election. The detentions and the seizure of power took place hours before the opening session of Myanmar’s new Parliament.
In another notification, the Indian Embassy informed about the rescheduling of Air India Flight (AI 1233) to 11 February, which was earlier slated for 4 February. “This is to inform you that Air India Flight (AI 1233) which was earlier scheduled for 4th February 2021 on Yangon-New Delhi Sector is now rescheduled for 11th February 2021, due to unavoidable reasons. Now, the said flight will be operating from Yangon on 11 February 2021 (AI 1233 Departure Yangon 1500 HRS),” the notification read.
Reacting to the developments in Naypyitaw, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced “grave concern” regarding the declaration of the transfer of all legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military. Other leaders from the international community have also expressed concerns in view of the recent developments in the country.
This military coup happened after days of escalating tensions between the government and the military in the aftermath of last November’s general elections.
San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) claimed an overwhelming victory in the polls, securing over 80 per cent of the seats, according to media reports. However, the military and some political parties disputed the results, alleging that the polls were marred by irregularities.
According to media reports, the detentions started in the early hours of Monday, with political leaders held in Yangon and other cities across Myanmar, and soldiers said to be out on the streets and at prominent landmarks. WITH ANI INPUTS
