On Tuesday, President Joe Biden threatened new sanctions on Myanmar after a military coup and the arrest of government civilian leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Biden condemned the country's military for the coup, calling it a direct attack on the country's progress towards democracy and the rule of law.
The following is a full statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. On the situation in Myanmar:
The military coup in Burma, the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civil servants and the declaration of a state of emergency are a direct violation of the country's transition to democracy and the rule of law. In a democracy, the forces should not try to use power to undermine the will of the people or attempt to eliminate credible election results. For almost a decade, the people of Burma have been working tirelessly to bring about elections, civilian governance and a peaceful transfer of power. That progress should be respected.
The international community should unite to put pressure on the Burmese military to immediately relinquish its power, release activists and their detainees, lift all telecommunications restrictions and avoid violence against civilians. The United States is recognizing those who stand with the people of Burma at this difficult time. We will work with our partners across the region and the world to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law, as well as bring those responsible for the destruction of Burma's democratic transition to justice.
The United States has lifted sanctions on Myanmar over the past decade, based on progress toward democracy. That setback will promptly review our laws and powers and then take appropriate action.
The United States will stand up for democracy wherever it is attacked.
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