In a statement on the situation in Burma on February 1, President Biden said the military’s seizure of power, detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials, and declaration of a national emergency are a direct attack on Burma’s transition to democracy and the rule of law. He called on the international community to work together to force the Burmese military to immediately relinquish the power they have seized. It is worth noting that the White House statement did not use the term “military coup.
Biden said, “The military’s seizure of power in Burma, the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials, and the declaration of a national emergency are a direct attack on the country’s transition to democracy and the rule of law. In a democracy, force should never attempt to overturn the will of the people or try to erase the results of a credible election. For nearly a decade, the people of Burma have been working steadily to establish elections, civilian governance and a peaceful transfer of power. This progress should be respected.”
Biden said that “the international community should work together to force the Burmese military to immediately relinquish the power they have seized, release the activists and officials they have detained, lift all telecommunications restrictions, and stop the violence against civilians.” He emphasized that “the United States takes note of those who stand with the people of Burma in this difficult Time. We will work with our partners across the region and around the world to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law and to hold accountable those responsible for overturning Burma’s democratic transition.”
Biden said, “Over the past decade, the United States has lifted sanctions on Burma in light of progress toward democracy. If that progress is reversed, it will be important to immediately review our sanctions laws and authorities and then take appropriate action.” He stressed that “wherever democracy is under attack, the United States will stand up for it.” According to CNN’s national security correspondent Kylie Atwood, the Biden Administration is debating internally whether to call the outbreak in Burma a coup, according to sources. That’s because if the U.S. officially declares it a coup, it would be legally required to cut off U.S. economic aid to Burma.
It is worth noting that in response to the statement issued by Biden, a reporter asked White House spokesman Jen Psaki at a press conference on Monday, which said, “‘The United States takes note of those who stand with the people of Burma in this difficult time.’ Is this perhaps a message to China?” To which Psaki replied, “I think it’s a message to all countries in the region and to those who will be asked to respond or to consider an appropriate response to the events of the last few days.”
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