Europe and United States push Myanmar
NAYPYITAW: The European Union said it is considering sanctions on Myanmar while the United States penalised two more generals for links to the military coup, as Western countries sought to press the junta to avoid a violent crackdown after weeks of protests.
Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing called for energy to be put into reviving the ailing economy, state media reported, a day after a general strike shut businesses and huge crowds gathered despite a warning from authorities that confrontation could get people killed.
UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews said millions had marched on Monday in a ‘‘breathtaking’’ turnout, despite the junta’s threat. ‘‘The generals are losing their power to intimidate and with it, their power. It is past time for them to stand down, as the people of Myanmar stand up,’’ Andrews said on Twitter.
Crowds gathered again yesterday though in much smaller numbers. There were no reports of confrontations with security forces.
Overnight, EU governments showed support for those seeking to reverse the February 1 coup and the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
‘‘We are not prepared to stand by and watch,’’ German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Brussels, adding sanctions could follow if diplomacy failed.
The EU is considering sanctions that would target businesses owned by the army, but ruled out curtailing its trade preferences, to avoid hurting poor workers.
The security forces have shown more restraint since the coup than in earlier confrontations with those pushing for democracy in almost half a century of direct military rule.
Even so, three protesters have been killed — two shot dead in Mandalay on Saturday, and a woman who died on Friday after being shot more than a week earlier in Naypyitaw.
The army has said one policeman died of injuries sustained during the protests and accused protesters of provoking violence.
A rights group said 684 people had been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup.
On Monday, the US imposed sanctions on two members of the junta — Lieutenantgeneral Moe Myint Tun and General Maung Maung Kyaw — and warned it could take more action.
The Biden administration previously imposed sanctions on the acting president of Myanmar and several military officers.
In a joint statement yesterday, the foreign ministers of the Group of 7 countries said ‘‘anyone responding to peaceful protests with violence must be held to account’’.