WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) –– The United States urged Myanmar’s military to release detained officials, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and warned of a response from Washington.
“The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
“We urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today,” she added.
Suu Kyi and the country’s president were taken into custody after weeks of rising tensions between the military and the civilian government over allegations of fraud in November’s elections.
The military last week signaled it could seize power to settle its claims of irregularities in the polls, which Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party won easily.
Myanmar’s election commission last week had labeled the vote transparent and fair, and the US, United Nations and the European Union urged the military to respect the results.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres too condemned the military detention of Myanmar’s leaders in a coup.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the detention of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar’s new parliament,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
“These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar.” — NNN-AGENCIES
