RUSSIA SLAMMED FOR ARMING MYANMAR

WASHINGTON The United States criticized Russia on Wednesday for approving sales of fighter jets to Myanmar’s military despite its deadly operations against Rohingya Muslims, warning that Moscow’s actions could make the situation worse.

Russian defence officials used a visit to Myanmar this week to announce a deal to deliver six Su- 30 fighter jets to the country’s military. The Russian officials said Myanmar is also interested in buying Russian navy ships and land weapons.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called Russia’s move “a good example of the challenges we face with certain governments.” She said most of the world wants the Rohingya crisis resolved peacefully, and suggested Russia’s actions would instead fuel more suffering and instability.

“This would seem to be an occasion where Russia could show solidarity through humanitarian assistance rather than potentially aggravating the situation through weapons sales,” Nauert said.