The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemned in strong words on Sunday 28 March the escalation of violence - with “more than 100 civilian killings perpetrated by the military against its own people on its ‘Armed Forces Day’”.
At least 107 people, including seven children, were reportedly killed.
Calling the situation “unacceptable”, the High Representative said that far from “celebrating” this day the Myanmar military had made it “a day of horror and shame”.
He therefore reiterated the EU’s condemnation of the “callous violence” perpetrated against the people of Myanmar, urging the military leadership to stand down from this “senseless” path. “This tragedy must stop”, insisted Mr Borrell.
The High Representative recalled that the EU was working “tirelessly” with key partners to stop the violence, to get a proper political process under way and to release all detainees.
“We will continue to use the EU’s mechanisms, including sanctions, to target the perpetrators of this violence, and those responsible for turning back the clock on Myanmar’s path of democracy and peace”, he warned, adding that the perpetrators of these serious human rights violations must be held accountable for their “shameless acts”.
On 22 March, Foreign Ministers sanctioned eleven Myanmar officials for the coup and the repression of the peaceful protests that followed and continue in the country (see EUROPE 12683/3). The EU has also broadened the criteria for designations beyond human rights violations in order to sanction more individuals and entities. Given this broadening, the High Representative announced that the EU might “soon” adopt new measures.
In addition, the UN Security Council will meet on Wednesday 31 March to discuss the situation in Myanmar. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)