Myanmar coup: Joe Biden threatens to resume sanctions

Joe Biden has threatened to resume sanctions on Myanmar following the military coup and the suspension of democracy, and called for international solidarity in confronting the country’s generals. “The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy. The reversal of that progress will necessitate an immediate review of our sanction laws and authorities, followed by appropriate action,” Biden said in a written statement addressing the first foreign policy crisis of his presidency.

The US lifted sanctions on Myanmar in October 2016 after it held elections, established a civilian government and took other steps toward restoring democracy, although targeted sanctions remained on certain military officers.

“The United States will stand up for democracy wherever it is under attack,” Biden’s statement said, adding: “The international community should come together in one voice to press the Burmese military to immediately relinquish the power they have seized, release the activists and officials they have detained, lift all telecommunications restrictions, and refrain from violence against civilians.

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