Myanmar plotters told: Stop violence

We condemn any violence against the people of Burma and reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AFP) — The United States on Friday urged Myanmar’s military to refrain from violence and relinquish power after the first death in protests against the coup.

“We condemn any violence against the people of Burma and reiterate our calls on the Burmese military to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters, using Myanmar’s former name.

“The United States will continue to lead the diplomatic efforts to galvanize the international community into collective action against those responsible for this coup,” he said.

Myanmar’s military toppled civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February, leading to protests for the restoration of democracy despite the junta’s efforts to hinder communications.

A rally on 9 February in the capital Naypyidaw turned violence with police firing rubber bullets. Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who turned 20 while unconscious in a hospital bed, was confirmed dead Friday from a gunshot to the head.

The United States will continue to lead the diplomatic efforts to galvanize the international community into collective action against those responsible for this coup.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States, which has imposed its own targeted sanctions, hoped that international pressure would put the heat on the junta.

Blinken addressed the crisis in separate joint calls Thursday with Asian and European allies.

“Pressure takes time to be felt to be exerted,” Blinken told BBC