Myanmar - the political situation (1 February 2023)

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Two years after the February 1, 2021, coup d’état, in which the Burmese military overthrew the government that the Burmese people had freely chosen for themselves in the November 8, 2020, general elections, France condemns in the strongest possible terms the Burmese military’s strategy of imposing terror on the people of Burma. The silent strike taking place today throughout Burma is a vibrant illustration of Burmese citizens’ commitment to democracy and their steadfast opposition to the coup d’état. None of the junta’s attempts to gain legitimacy by using the justice system against the democratically elected leaders will succeed and we strongly condemn the systematic dismantling of the rule of law in Burma that has taken place since the coup d’état.

France has been at the forefront of Europe’s response to this crisis. The EU has adopted five rounds of sanctions targeting 70 individuals and 11 entities, and is prepared to adopt further sanctions.

At the same time, in order to meet the people’s growing needs, France has expanded its humanitarian aid by doubling its programmed food assistance in 2022 and increasing its financial support to French NGOs working in Burma by 50%. France is also the third largest bilateral contributor to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ efforts in Burma and will maintain this support in 2023.

France reiterates its commitment to seeing the establishment of a political dialogue that includes the democratic opposition, including the National League for Democracy and its historic leaders, as well as the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH). This is a crucial prerequisite for any resolution to the crisis. As was demanded by the UN Security Council in its resolution 2669, France reiterates its call for the immediate, unconditional release of all those who are being arbitrarily detained, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, as well as its call for an end to the violence committed by Myanmar’s security forces. France reaffirms its support for the efforts of ASEAN and its Special Envoy, as well as those of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

France will continue to stand firmly united with the Burmese people in their fight for justice and democracy.