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US Sanctions Myanmar Military Officials


Military supporters carry a portrait of junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing as they celebrate the coup in Naypyitaw, Feb. 4, 2021.
Military supporters carry a portrait of junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing as they celebrate the coup in Naypyitaw, Feb. 4, 2021.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on two more Myanmar military officials in response to the killing of peaceful protesters.

The measures announced late Monday target Moe Myint Tun and Maung Maung Kyaw.

A Treasury Department statement called on Myanmar’s military to reinstall the country’s democratically elected government or face further actions.

“The United States will continue to work with partners throughout the region and the world to press the Burmese military and police to cease all violence against peaceful protestors, to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Burma, to urge for the immediate release of political prisoners, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and to promote accountability for those responsible for attempting to reverse Burma’s progress toward democracy,” the statement said.

Demonstrators protest against military coup in Yangon, Feb. 22, 2021.
Demonstrators protest against military coup in Yangon, Feb. 22, 2021.

Earlier this month, the Treasury Department applied sanctions to 10 current of former military officials.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemned the coup and “unacceptable violence against peaceful demonstrators” in remarks Monday.

He said EU ministers have agreed to a set of targeted measures, including applying sanctions against the military figures responsible for the coup and their economic interests.

Borrell also said the EU would withhold all direct financial support to government reform programs in Myanmar. But he said the measures would not impact the people of Myanmar, and that the EU would “continue to support civil society and to provide basic services.”

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