On behalf of the EU, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned, on Tuesday 2 February, “in the strongest terms”, the military coup in Myanmar (see EUROPE 12648/4).
“It is an unacceptable attempt to forcibly overturn the will of the people of Myanmar”, the High Representative denounced. Believing that the November parliamentary elections marked an important milestone in the country's democratic transition, he explained that any allegation of voting irregularities has to be settled within the proper legal and administrative channels.
According to the military, widespread irregularities were reported to have taken place during the November elections (see EUROPE 12647/18).
“Overturning the choice of the people of Myanmar by force is illegal, against the principles of democracy and takes the country backwards”, Mr Borrell said, warning that the EU would examine “all the options at its disposal to ensure that democracy prevails”. He gave no further details, even though the EU has already adopted sanctions against the country.
The EU also called on the military to immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, to exercise maximum restraint, to restore telecommunications and to respect human rights, freedom of expression, fundamental freedoms and the Rule of law. “We also call upon them to immediately end the state of emergency, restore the civilian government, to open the newly-elected Parliament, and to proceed with the subsequent appointments of the President, Vice-Presidents and of the new government”, the High Representative said.
The EU says it stands ready to support dialogue with all key stakeholders who wish to resolve the situation “in good faith” and return to the constitutional order.
The European Union expects the safety of the citizens of Myanmar and of its Member States to be ensured at all times, Mr Borrell also warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)