Washington D.C., 8 November 2021 (TDI): US State Secretary Antony J. Blinken issued a statement on the first anniversary of Myanmar’s General Elections held on November 8 last year. He condemned Myanmar’s military coup which dismantled the outcome of the general elections in February 2020.
The US State Secretary called upon Myanmar’s military forces to release the political authorities and to refrain from using violence against the civilians. He also honored the country’s population for their continued efforts towards restoring democracy and striving to achieve human rights.
One year ago, Burma held elections that reflected the Burmese people’s commitment to democracy. Today, we stand with and honor them, including the more than 1,300 who have lost their lives, as they strive to restore the path to democracy and human rights in their country.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 8, 2021
In his statement, the US State Secretary also exhibited the United States’ commitment to protecting human rights in Myanmar and across the globe. He strongly condemned the unjust behavior of the Burmese military towards its general population and civilian leaders.
Blinken expressed grief over the fact that although general elections were carried out in Myanmar exhibiting a clear winner last year, the military was reluctant to accept the results and it resorted to violence against civilians and the political leaders instead.
Myanmar’s General Elections of 2020 was the first time in many years when multiparty elections were held in the country and people were allowed to vote freely, despite the military still having control over the defense-related affairs.
Myanmar’s situation was recently highlighted at the United Nations General Assembly as well, urging for the Organization’s increased humanitarian assistance to the country. The Republic’s military is often recognized as the promoter of violence and injustice, given their mistreatment of Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic minorities over the years.
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