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EU Imposes New Sanctions on Myanmar


Protesters hold slogans condemning the military government as they mark the Thingyan festival on April 13, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar.
Protesters hold slogans condemning the military government as they mark the Thingyan festival on April 13, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar.

The European Union announced Monday a fresh round of sanctions against Myanmar military officials, the third since the junta seized power in a February coup.

This round targeted eight individuals, three economic entities and the War Veterans Organization, according to a statement from the EU.

"The individuals targeted by sanctions include ministers and deputy ministers, as well as the attorney general, who are responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law and for serious human rights violations in the country," the statement read.

"By targeting the gems and timber sectors, these measures are aimed at restricting the junta's ability to profit from Myanmar's natural resources, while being crafted so as to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar," it went on.

The United States also sanctioned parts of the country's gem industry in April.

The United Nations formally condemned the coup on Friday, with member states calling for an end to the violence and for respect of the will of the people as expressed in the November election.

While the resolution does not have the power to impose an international arms embargo, it did call on "all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar" as the military's violent crackdown on protesters continues.

About 900 civilian protesters have been confirmed killed and 6,000 arrested since the military seized power February 1, a move rejecting the outcome of the November elections that overwhelmingly gave power to the National League for Democracy party.

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