Military coup in Burma, the Burmese army arrests the prime minister

The Burmese army arrests the prime minister and a number of her party leaders, declares a state of emergency, and controls a number of institutions.

AFP

Rangoon - The Burmese army carried out a military coup at dawn on Monday, when it arrested Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and a number of her party leaders, and took over a number of important institutions in the country and declared a state of emergency.

A spokesman for the National League for Democracy San Suu Kyi Party confirmed the information, referring to a possible "coup."

"We heard that she is being held in Naypyidaw (the country's capital). We assume that the army is about to carry out a coup," said spokesman Myo Nyunt, referring to the arrest of other party officials as well.

Several weeks ago, the army has condemned fraud during the legislative elections that took place in November, which the National League for Democracy won by an overwhelming majority.

These arrests came at a time when the House of Representatives, which emerged from the recent legislative elections, was scheduled to hold its first session within hours.

Banks in Burma were closed after the coup, which was led by the army, and declared a state of emergency, until further notice, as reported Monday by the Union of Banks in the country.

Banks will be closed temporarily "as of February 1" due to poor internet access, according to a statement issued by the union.

Shortly after the announcement, lines began to form in front of ATMs to withdraw cash, while the Internet and communications were subjected to disturbances shortly after the events, according to the specialized "Netblocks" organization.

Several foreign capitals immediately condemned the coup, which the generals considered necessary to maintain the "stability" of the state, as they announced on their TV channel.

In a statement issued by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the United States expressed its "grave concern".

"We call on Burmese military leaders to release all government officials and civil society leaders and to respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in the democratic elections on 8 November," she said.

"The United States stands with the people of Burma in their aspirations for democracy, freedom, peace and development. The military must backtrack on these measures immediately," she added.

Australian Foreign Minister Maryse Payne said Canberra was "extremely concerned". "Australia is a long-term supporter of Burma and its democratic transition. We call on the military to respect the rule of law, resolve disputes through legal mechanisms, and immediately release all civilian leaders and others who have been unlawfully detained.

We strongly support the peaceful reconvening of the National Assembly," Pine said . Consistent with the results of the general elections in November 2020. "

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detention of Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other political leaders, expressing his "grave concern" about the transfer of powers to the army.

"These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar," a statement by a spokesman for Guterres said.

The statement added that the November elections provided a strong mandate for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party.

"The Secretary-General urges the military leadership to respect the will of the people of Myanmar and adhere to democratic standards, while resolving any differences through peaceful dialogue ," the statement added . Full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. "

Source: Website