Washington: Expressing concern over escalation of violence in Myanmar the United States has made it clear that the country’s military will pay a price for it.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said “We are deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence against peaceful protesters in Burma [Myanmar]. Burmese security forces are responsible for hundreds of deaths since they perpetrated a coup on February 1,” Psaki said.
“The Burmese junta continues to use lethal force against its own people. Last week’s killing of children is just the most recent example of the horrific nature of the violence perpetrated by the military regime. We continue to make clear that we will impose costs on the military regime for the deadly violence against peaceful protesters and the suppression of human rights.”
The office of the US Trade Representative said on Monday that the United States is suspending all trade engagements with Myanmar after the recent military coup and subsequent violence against civilians there.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in Myanmar, more than 90 people were killed during protests against the military rule on Saturday and more than 420 people have been killed since the military seized took over the government early last month.
On February 1, Myanmar’s military seized power and announced a one-year state of emergency and vowed to take action against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election. The military said it was committed to the democratic system and vowed to hold new and fair elections after the state of emergency ends.
The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions against multiple individuals and entities affiliated with Myanmar’s military, as well as some of Myanmar’s conglomerates.
