Police ran after protesters to disperse a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on March 3, 2021.
STR | AFP | Getty Images
The United States on Thursday imposed trade sanctions against the military regime in Myanmar, a day after security forces killed dozens of people in the deadliest day of violence since a coup expelled the country’s civilian leaders last month and sparked nationwide protests.
The Department of Commerce places export controls on the Ministry of Defense and Home Affairs in Myanmar, as well as two companies closely linked to the military – Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holding Limited. Myanmar is also now subject to trade restrictions on certain sensitive items intended for military use.
“The trade is reviewing potential additional measures as justified by the military’s actions,” the department warned in a press release on Thursday afternoon. “The US government will continue to hold the perpetrators of the coup accountable for their actions.”
Security forces in Myanmar killed at least 38 protesters on Wednesday, according to the United Nations. The violence is part of an army campaign to crush nationwide protests, demanding the release of civilian leaders who were ousted and detained on February 1.
Myanmar citizens hold candlelight vigils outside the United Nations in memory of protesters against coup d’état killed on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand, in Myanmar.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Myanmar authorities also targeted press members at the protests. The Associated Press, journalist Thein Zaw, and five other members of the media were arrested and charged with violating a public order law.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ned Price called for the regime to exercise “maximum control” and warned the military that the US would take further measures to hold it accountable for detaining journalists and protesting against violence.
“This latest increase in violence shows the fact that the Juntas are utter contempt for their own people,” Price told a news conference Thursday.
“We will continue, as I said, to work with the international community to take significant action against those responsible; there will be additional action from the United States,” Price said before Commerce announced the new trade sanctions.
Myanmar citizens hold candlelight vigils outside the United Nations in memory of protesters against coup d’état killed on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand, in Myanmar.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty Images
President Joe Biden last month issued executive orders imposing sanctions on the military leaders leading the coup. According to the Reuters report, the New York Federal Reserve blocked an attempt by the country’s military rulers to move a sum of $ 1 billion in funds.
The foreign ministry on Thursday reiterated its call on China to use its influence in Myanmar to restore the country’s civilian government. U.S. and Chinese officials have spoken several times about the situation in Myanmar since the February 1 coup, Price said.
“We have encouraged the Chinese to play a constructive role in using their influence on the Burmese army to bring this coup to an end,” Price said.
China, which has close ties with Myanmar, blocked the United Nations Security Council last month from issuing a statement condemning the coup.
Burmese activists have said they are determined to continue attending protest marches in support of democracy despite the violent repression.
“We know we can always be shot dead with live ammunition, but it is not important to stay alive under the junta. That is why we are choosing this dangerous path to escape,” activist Maung Saungkha told Reuters.