Burma's economic relations with the European Union

expand all
collapse all

Individual Documents

Description: "Just over one year since the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, led a coup against the legitimately re-elected government, a new study finds that more than $190 million in imports of timber were reported from Myanmar in 2021, including to countries with sanctions, potentially exposing entities importing from Myanmar to risk of civil and criminal penalties. In response to the coup and to evidence that revenue from natural resources is funding the junta, the European Union (EU) and four countries (the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Switzerland), have introduced sanctions that aim to limit the regime’s ability to collect revenue from sectors such as mining, forestry, and most recently, oil and gas. Since February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s economy has collapsed and the junta has increasingly turned to natural resources to support its regime, financing both military operations and violence against civilians, much like the previous military regime did for decades. The elected government had brought in anti-corruption reforms, but these are being undone. Sanctions can be effective, if enforced. This is being clearly demonstrated by recent sanctions from the US, UK, EU, and others on Russian banks and freezing assets belonging to Vladimir Putin’s top allies in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. “The role of forests in Myanmar really can’t be overstated,” says Michael Jenkins, CEO and Founding President of Forest Trends, “The return of military control last year was a shocking development as Myanmar was still transitioning from 50 years of harsh military rule to democracy, rule of law, and federalism. In the past, illegal logging, corruption, and illicit trade of wood products ran rampant. Money from illegal logging helped finance Myanmar’s decades long civil war and we need to move past that reality.” Forest Trends’ new report focuses on the role of forestry sanctions by the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Switzerland on the Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE), the State-owned Enterprise that monopolized the forestry sector. Key Findings More than $190 million in trade of Myanmar timber has been reported from February to November 2021: $37 million to jurisdictions with sanctions and $154 million imported into China, India, Thailand, and other countries without sanctions. The provenance of the exported logs is unclear; the MTE does not report on its source, and since the coup, the MTE has only auctioned about 5% of the total that were reported as exported, but none of that wood was auctioned as export grade. Most markets have decreased their imports of timber from Myanmar since the coup, but others, including countries with sanctions have increased imports relative to 2020. In the US, where almost all imports were in the form of sawn teak for the luxury yacht market, the number of companies importing from Myanmar dropped by two-thirds to only 5 importers, yet total trade still increased slightly. Five EU Member States, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Poland, also showed substantial increases in imports. China, which has not imposed sanctions on Myanmar, also increased imports by 35% (or $29 million). All findings are likely an underestimate, as not all countries have reported trade for the entirety of 2021. Given the details of US sanctions, entities importing from Myanmar are already at risk of civil and criminal penalties for violating sanctions. Entities could also potentially be exposed to prosecution for the international war crime of pillage, given 1) the junta is illegitimate and does not have the legal right to sell Myanmar’s timber, 2) any timber sold by the junta is done without consent of the owner (in this case, the legally elected government, overthrown on February 1, 2021, which acts as the State’s representative), and 3) all timber sold is done in the context of armed conflict. There is no statute of limitations to prosecution of war crimes, such as pillage, and due to the gravity of the crime, there is universal jurisdiction, where any country may prosecute offenders. The US sanctions prohibit even the indirect benefit of the MTE. The Executive Order also has no grace period – the sanctions take immediate effect. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has previously prosected entities that used US dollars in payments to sanctioned entities, even if the entities themselves have no other connection to the US. In other words, all trade with the MTE would be a violation of US sanctions, because teak is purchased in US dollars, even if no US companies are involved. All banks that facilitate these transactions would also be violating US sanctions. So far, only Canada has sanctioned the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, which facilitates all MTE US dollar transactions (all are held in foreign banks). “To close this loophole and make sanctions more effective, countries should expand financial sanctions to include the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank,” says Kerstin Canby, Senior Director of Forest Trends’ Forest Policy, Trade, and Finance Initiative, “Doing so would help stop spill over to non-sanctioned markets by making it a violation to facilitate this trade with any country. Countries that have not yet imposed sanctions should do so, otherwise they are bankrolling the junta.” The stakes in war-torn Myanmar could not be higher as the junta continues its violent crackdown against its people. The crimes of illegal harvest, sale, and export of Myanmar’s resources, much of it extracted from conflict areas claimed by the country’s ethnic minorities, are producing revenues that allow the military to perpetrate horrific crimes, not only against the country’s democracy but also its civilians. To date, the regime has killed over 1,600 unarmed civilians and arrested over 12,500 more. Sanctioning the junta – and implementing those sanctions – is one thing the international community can, and should, do to support the people of Myanmar..."
Source/publisher: Forest Trends (Washington, D.C.)
2022-03-07
Date of entry/update: 2022-03-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description: "Burma Human Rights Network is delighted by the newest round of sanctions by the European Union against Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). The company has been a lifeline to the junta, providing them with cash flow while they mobilise to enforce their illegitimate rule over the country. “This is a positive outcome of campaigned by many INGOs and CSOs including BHRN. By targeting this sector, the EU is leading the way for the world against the tyranny of the Burmese junta. The military is spreading itself and its resources thin throughout the country to suppress any resistance to their dictatorship. If the world launches strong sanctions on the military’s business interests and instates an arms embargo, the junta will not be able to continue,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win. In previous sanctions rounds against Burma by the EU, MOGE was left untouched. This marks a new level of intensity and seriousness by the international community against the Burmese military. BHRN calls on the US and UK to take the same measures. Simultaneously a global arms embargo must be imposed on the Burmese military, preventing them from further committing atrocities against their people. The military must be treated as a illegal terrorist regime and given no platform as state representatives. Instead, all nations must come forward and formally recognise the National Unity Government as the only legitimate government of Burma and offer them all necessary support for them to regain the power taken from them by force. At the same time, the NUG must be more inclusive, make sure their policies are aligned with democratic norms and respect the rights of marginalised minorities. Organisation’s Background BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders..."
Source/publisher: Burma Human Rights Network
2022-02-24
Date of entry/update: 2022-02-25
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description: "Global Witness welcomes today’s announcement by the European Union that it is adding Myanmar’s state-owned oil and gas company, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), to its sanctions list, along with 22 individuals and three other companies. The individuals sanctioned include a number of officials from the State Administration Council - the military junta’s governance vehicle. They also include 14 members of the military-appointed Union Election Commission who have helped the military launder its claims of election fraud by invalidating the November 2020 last summer in spite of a glaring lack of evidence. These sanctions are extremely important and demonstrate that the EU is willing to begin holding those who have helped enable the military’s actions to account. However, it is the EU’s decision to add MOGE to its sanctions list that is the most significant step any member of the international community has yet taken to punish Myanmar’s brutal military junta for its ongoing attempt to take control of the country. Myanmar’s offshore gas sector provides over a billion USD per year in revenue to the government, money that is now being expropriated by a military junta that has killed over 1,500 civilians since the coup. Activists have been calling for months for the international community to cut off the military’s access to this revenue by sanctioning MOGE, and the EU appears to have finally heeded these calls. “The addition of MOGE to the EU sanctions list is a hugely important step in targeting the revenue sources helping keep the military afloat,” said Hanna Hindstrom, Myanmar Senior Campaigner at Global Witness. “While the EU and other countries have sanctioned dozens of other entities, the exclusion of MOGE seriously limited the effectiveness of those sanctions. Today’s announcement shows that the EU is finally serious about addressing the main financial lifeline for the military government,” said Hindstrom. In spite of the clear case for sanctioning MOGE, the past year has seen the EU and US take the side of the oil and gas companies and their lobbyists over Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. The announcement in late January by Chevron and Total that they would begin withdrawing from the country due to the military’s human rights abuses signaled the companies were finally responding to the pressure and appears to have removed the final barriers for action from the EU. “This move is a welcome one but long overdue. Now the US and UK must follow suit, and all three must focus on enforcing these crucial economic sanctions,” concluded Hindstrom..."
Source/publisher: "Global Witness" (London)
2022-02-22
Date of entry/update: 2022-02-25
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title: Total Energies, Chevron, Other Companies Should Put Shares in Escrow
Description: "The European Union should swiftly enforce new sanctions targeting Myanmar’s junta and its state-owned oil company, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), Human Rights Watch said today. The EU should also ensure that the withdrawals of EU companies complying with sanctions do not benefit the junta. The United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, and other countries should quickly adopt similar measures. On February 21, 2022, the EU imposed new sanctions on junta officials, junta-linked “cronies,” and junta-controlled businesses including MOGE, which partners with international energy companies in the oil and gas sector. The new sanctions will require several energy companies to terminate their operations in Myanmar, a significant impact since natural gas earnings are the Myanmar junta’s single largest source of foreign currency revenue. However, ambiguous provisions raise concerns that companies might transfer their stakes to MOGE or to other companies not subject to sanctions. “If energy companies leaving Myanmar end up transferring their ownership shares or revenues to MOGE’s benefit, this will only further enrich and entrench the abusive and brutal junta,” said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “The sanctions are meant to pressure the junta, not to allow Total Energies, Chevron, and others to bolster military rule.” Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, the junta’s crackdown on opposition has seen mass killings, torture, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and other widespread and systematic abuses amounting to crimes against humanity. Continuing military attacks in the country’s ethnic areas have resulted in numerous war crimes. Companies’ responsible exits from Myanmar should include placing companies’ existing shares or property rights into trust or escrow to ensure the revenues from those shares do not benefit the military. This includes shares of existing exploration or development projects or production or pipeline transportation ventures, Human Rights Watch said. This is consistent with their responsibilities under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, whose commentary states that factors to consider in determining “appropriate action[s]” in cases in which business activities are enabling rights abuses include consideration of “whether terminating the relationship with the entity itself would have adverse human rights consequences.” Total Energies, Chevron, and Woodside have each stated recently that they plan to withdraw from Myanmar in the coming months. Total Energies, headquartered in France, and Chevron, in the US, are involved in joint operations with MOGE related to offshore gas production and delivery to Thailand. Australia-based Woodside has exploratory and production rights in several other offshore gas fields. The company ENI, based in Italy, is involved in onshore oil production. Transferring ownership shares to MOGE or a third party outside of EU jurisdiction would have negative consequences by increasing MOGE’s ownership shares and future revenue, strengthening the junta’s resources and capacities. Myanmar’s military uses its foreign currency revenue primarily for the military’s benefit, Human Rights Watch said. The new EU sanctions appear to prohibit transfers or sales of shares to MOGE, since it is a “sanctioned entity.” However, the measures also temporarily authorize “making available” to MOGE “economic resources” when EU authorities determine that doing so is necessary for “the transfer before 31 July 2022 of shares or interests necessary for the termination of contracts” with MOGE. The ambiguous wording, apparently meant to temporarily license incidental transactions companies make while exiting, could be interpreted to authorize transferring shares to MOGE and should be clarified. EU governments implementing new sanctions applicable to MOGE – in particular, the French and Italian governments since Total Energies and ENI fall under their jurisdiction – should make clear to companies that their ownership shares cannot be transferred or sold to MOGE. Companies should urge other energy companies remaining in Myanmar, including current joint venture partners, to place future revenue shares to MOGE into trust or escrow accounts as well. Thailand’s state-owned PTT and South Korea’s POSCO, the two main energy companies remaining in Myanmar, should signal their support for such measures. The largest gas revenue payments to junta-controlled accounts are made via PTT, which purchases approximately 80 percent of Myanmar’s exported natural gas. If exiting companies determine that they must sell or transfer their shares to another business entity, they should ensure that entities receiving such shares will respect international sanctions and follow international standards on business and human rights. Human Rights Watch has previously urged other companies exiting Myanmar, including the Japanese beverage company Kirin, to ensure that their shares are not transferred to the military or sold or transferred in a way that benefits the junta. To help prevent other companies or Myanmar authorities from undermining sanctions, other governments should follow the EU’s lead and impose similar measures specifying that transfers of ownership to the junta are prohibited, Human Rights Watch said. Additional sanctions would also help ensure that the junta isn’t able to evade the new EU sanctions in other jurisdictions. “The overarching effect of the EU’s new sanctions is to restrict the junta’s access to MOGE revenues,” Sifton said. “Myanmar’s military won’t improve its rights record until the economic impacts of sanctions become too great to bear.”..."
Source/publisher: Human Rights Watch (USA)
2022-02-24
Date of entry/update: 2022-02-24
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description: "The European Union (EU) is today the first jurisdiction to impose sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). MOGE is the junta’s biggest single source of revenue, responsible for financing its terror campaign. The move comes after TotalEnergies, Chevron, Petronas, Mitsubishi Corporation and Woodside have announced plans to exit from their investments in Myanmar. The EU has also imposed sanctions on the state-owned No. 1 Mining Enterprise, individual members of the Myanmar military junta and crony conglomerates International Group of Entrepreneurs (IGE) and Htoo Group of Companies. Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung says: “We welcome this new round of EU sanctions. The designation of MOGE is a historic win for grassroots activism throughout Myanmar and around the world, after over a year of campaigning to stop oil and gas revenue flowing to the terrorist military junta. “Sanctions on MOGE are essential to deny the junta the funds it needs to finance its increasing and intensifying violent attacks against civilians, which amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. “EU sanctions send a strong signal that the Myanmar junta cannot continue business as usual, but it is not enough. “Other governments including the US and Japan must now follow with sanctions on MOGE, other military controlled businesses and their significant associates. “EU sanctions against IGE should send a strong message to POSCO International and Lotte Hotels & Resorts, which continue to partner with IGE in the Lotte Hotel project, on land leased from the Office of the Quartermaster General...”
Source/publisher: Justice For Myanmar
2022-02-22
Date of entry/update: 2022-02-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
Format : pdf
Size: 123.2 KB
more
Description: "New sanctions significant – Aviation fuel must be next. Burma Campaign UK today welcomed a new round of EU sanctions against the Burmese military and its allies, agreed by EU Foreign Ministers today. The decision today by the EU Foreign Affairs Council has been published in the official journal of the EU here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0243&from=EN The new round is particularly significant for two reasons: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) has been sanctioned for the first time. During the previous military dictatorship, the EU never imposed sanctions on the gas sector. It is the first time the EU has imposed sanctions on the Burmese military that were not a direct response to a new atrocity by the Burmese military. This is precedent setting. It represents an understanding that the EU needs to continue to identify and sanction sources of revenue and arms to the military. The UK, USA and Canada have already been pursuing this policy. “These sanctions are significant and welcome,” said Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK. “By targeting the oil and gas sector the EU has leapfrogged the USA, targeting one of the main sources of revenue for the military. The USA, which has broader sanctions powers than the EU, must now follow.” The sanctions announced by the EU include the state owned and now military controlled Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), the state owned and now military controlled No1 Mining Enterprise, crony companies Htoo Group and IGE which provide financial and other support to the military, members of the Burmese military. State Administrative Council, and military appointed members of the Union Election Commission. EU sanctions on MOGE are a huge campaign success for all the civil society organisations in and from Burma and around the world which have campaigned so hard for gas revenue sanctions. “There is still much more that the EU can do to ensure European companies are not helping to fund and arm the Burmese military,” said Anna Roberts. “The European Union must also sanction aviation fuel. Airstrikes by Burmese military jets and helicopters have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their home and created a humanitarian crisis...”
Source/publisher: "Burma Campaign UK" (London)
2022-02-21
Date of entry/update: 2022-02-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description: "Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the imposition of sanctions on state owned timber and gems enterprises, and on the Myanmar War Veterans Organisation (MWVO). Timber and gems are significant revenue earners for the military, and the MWVO is part of the military and also has significant business interests, including in transport. Burma Campaign UK has been campaigning for the EU to sanction the timber and gems industry and the MWVO. “These new sanctions from the EU are very welcome, not only cutting revenue to the military but also letting them know that economic pressure will keep increasing,” said Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The EU must now also look at creative ways to stop oil and gas revenue reaching the military. It is vital to continue to systematically identify and cut sources of revenue to the military.” Almost 900 people have been killed and more than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the military coup on 1st February. The EU has also announced sanctions on 8 more individuals, bringing the total to 43..."
Source/publisher: "Burma Campaign UK" (London)
2021-06-21
Date of entry/update: 2021-06-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description: "The Council today imposed sanctions on 8 individuals, 3 economic entities and the War Veterans Organisation in relation to the military coup staged in Myanmar/Burma on 1 February 2021, and the ensuing repression against peaceful demonstrators. The EU's restrictive measures are largely aligned with those of major international partners. The individuals targeted by sanctions include ministers and deputy ministers, as well as the attorney general, who are responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law and for serious human rights violations in the country. The four entities are either state-owned or controlled by the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), contributing directly or indirectly to the military's revenues or activities. By targeting the gems and timber sectors, these measures are aimed at restricting the junta’s ability to profit from Myanmar’s natural resources, while being crafted so as to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar. Restrictive measures, which now apply to a total of 43 individuals and 6 entities, include an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. Additionally, a travel ban applicable to listed persons prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territory. Pre-existing EU restrictive measures also remain in place. These comprise an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression, an export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications that could be used for internal repression, and a prohibition on military training for and military cooperation with the Tatmadaw. The restrictive measures come in addition to the withholding of EU financial assistance directly going to the government and the freezing of all EU assistance that may be seen as legitimising the junta. The EU remains a steadfast supporter of Myanmar/Burma’s people and of the country’s democratic transition. The European Union continues to provide humanitarian assistance, in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. In 2021, it allocated €20.5 million in humanitarian aid to address the immediate needs of displaced and conflict-affected communities in the country. It stands ready to cooperate with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in this respect. The EU stresses the importance for Myanmar/Burma to ensure that all refugees, displaced persons and people in need have rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid..."
Source/publisher: Council of the European Union
2021-06-21
Date of entry/update: 2021-06-22
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title: Experts say the EU's new sanctions against Myanmar raise questions over a contradiction in policy, which calls on ASEAN to take the lead in mediation. There is also concern over how effective the sanctions will be.
Description: "Questions have been raised over the EU's exact objectives regarding Myanmar, after its foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, last Thursday said that a third round of sanctions will soon be imposed on the country's military and economic interests. Following its February 1 coup, which overthrew the recently reelected civilian government headed by national icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the military is believed to have killed at least 845 people, the majority of whom were civilians who participated in nationwide pro-democracy protests. The coup has also escalated the country's seven-decade-old insurgencies, with several ethnic militia groups now cooperating to oppose the junta. The National Unity Government, an underground government composed of opponents of the military junta, including ousted parliamentarians, also recently announced the creation of their own militia, the People's Defense Force. As tensions continue to escalate, the majority of foreign powers, including the EU, have publicly backed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc in taking the lead to mediate a resolution to the conflict. Situation beyond ASEAN's reach However, the situation now appears to be beyond the reach of ASEAN, for whom the Myanmar crisis represents its biggest and most difficult test in decades. The junta's continued violence and repression go against the five-point consensus it agreed to with ASEAN in April. And Myanmar's pro-democracy movement now says it doesn't trust ASEAN's interlocutors, especially as there appears to be little chance that the bloc can mediate a deal that allows the now-banned National League for Democracy (NLD) to return to power, or even to politics. Moreover, accusations have been made that the EU is sanctioning the same Myanmar officials that ASEAN may soon confer legitimacy upon, if the bloc's eventual resolution allows the junta to remain in power until new elections are held, which are likely to be rigged by the military. The EU first agreed to impose sanctions on several officials in Myanmar's military junta and its aligned companies in mid-February. But it took several weeks for the measures to be formally adopted. A second round of sanctions in April targeted a dozen more junta officials, as well as key military-owned conglomerates, Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and Myanmar Economic Corporation.....A hazy relationship with oil companies: However, one notable exception so far from the sanctions list is the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), a state-owned enterprise with close connections to the military's business assets. "It is imperative that the EU sanctions Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise and junta-controlled banks to cut the flow of revenue financing the military's international crimes," said Yadanar Maung, spokesperson for Justice for Myanmar, a research activist group. "The most significant single source of revenue for the military is from oil and gas, channeled through offshore accounts belonging to state-owned banks," Maung added. "This is wealth that belongs to the people of Myanmar, who have made clear their absolute rejection of the coup." In late May, petroleum giants Total SA and Chevron — French and American-owned, respectively — announced that they had terminated cash payments to the junta, the dividends they derive from transporting gas from Myanmar's offshore Yadana field to the mainland and to neighboring Thailand. Both international firms are majority owners of Moattama Gas Transportation Company, the pipeline company that transports the gas. MOGE owns a 15% share. Maung also called on the EU to push for a global arms embargo on Myanmar. Brussels has frozen the sale and transfer of weapons to the country, while the United Nations earlier introduced a non-binding resolution for an arms embargo. However, the ASEAN bloc has opposed the UN resolution. It remains to be seen whether MOGE, as well as other lucrative military-run entities, will be part of the new sanctions promised by Borrell last week during his visit to Jakarta.....'A comprehensive and balanced approach': Nabila Massrali, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said she "would not speculate" on what the new sanctions will entail as they are still being discussed in Brussels. Massrali described the bloc's measures as "a comprehensive and balanced approach," adding that: "These measures have been carefully crafted to avoid a further negative impact on the Myanmar population. They send a strong signal to the military junta that the EU holds them accountable for their actions and they impose clear costs on their behavior." Given that EU sanctions were only imposed in March and April, she said it is "too soon to assess the impact of these measures." In early May, a study made by 10 foreign chambers of commerce in Myanmar found that 13% of surveyed companies had ceased business activity in the country since the coup, and a third reported at least a 75% reduction in their activity. According to some commentators, however, sanctions may have dented the military's coffers but are almost certain not to force it to its knees. After all, the military, known locally as the Tatmadaw, ruled Myanmar as a hermetic state from 1962 until 2011, when it tentatively accepted a democratic shift and allowed the NLD to form a civilian government after a resounding victory at the 2015 general election. 'No evidence' that sanctions are effective "There is no evidence so far that the sanctions have caused any change within the military junta, which continues to use violence and imprisonment to silence democratic opposition," said Htwe Htwe Thein, an associate professor of international business at Curtin University in Perth. In part, this is because almost none of the military's financial assets is held in EU bank accounts, and the majority of large foreign companies doing businesses in Myanmar aren't European. "Of course, there are travel and visa bans for key officials — so officials and their families cannot plan to go to Paris on holiday," Thein noted. On the one hand, she added, EU sanctions have "symbolic effects" in supporting international condemnation of the junta's actions, and may also pressure other governments to follow suit. "Therefore, they are more effective than they seem," she said. Yet many other nations haven't followed the EU's example. Singapore, the largest investor in Myanmar, has opposed sanctions, as have other major investors Japan and China. Who is in charge of mediation? Confusing matters further, the EU is ramping up its sanctions against Myanmar's junta, but at the same time, is trusting the ASEAN bloc to mediate a solution that may end up conferring legitimacy on the same people that Brussels has targeted. The EU "should be very careful and discerning in allowing ASEAN to lead the diplomatic efforts and set agendas," said Thien. When announcing further sanctions on a visit to Jakarta last week, EU foreign policy chief Borrell reiterated that efforts "to find a political solution for the Myanmar situation belongs to ASEAN." He added that the regional bloc's interlocutors are "doing the best possible job." Not everyone agrees. Even Thailand, whose current ruling party and prime minister came to power through a military coup in 2014, said this week it was concerned that Myanmar's junta is not sticking to the five-point "consensus" it agreed to with ASEAN in April, which committed the military to ending violence and opening political talks with other groups. Following the visit last week by two ASEAN envoys to Naypyitaw, the National Unity Government said, "we no longer have any faith in ASEAN's efforts, and we have no expectation." Last weekend, pro-democracy protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, set fire to ASEAN flags to show their anger at the bloc's ongoing talks with the junta. Brussels may have backed itself into a corner by imposing sanctions, yet intimating that it will support an ASEAN-led resolution to the crisis. 'A compromised solution' "If ASEAN finds a 'solution' it would be a very compromised solution — such as scarcely believable promises of future 'free and fair elections' and an end to military violence against pro-democracy supporters," said Thein. "Chances are that the EU wouldn't be able to accept such false 'solutions,' given the EU's democratic values and policies. What to do then?," she added. Indeed, if Brussels follows an ASEAN outcome that essentially accepts the junta as the legitimate government of Myanmar, then the EU will presumably have to end its sanctions. If not, and sanctions remain, Brussels will be seen as disagreeing with ASEAN's resolution. The EU spokesperson did not directly address this issue when asked by DW. "Violence and repression will not grant legitimacy to the military junta. Only a credible political dialogue, aimed at restoring the democratic institutions and which takes into account the will of Myanmar's people, as expressed in last November's elections, can ensure sustainable peace and a credible democracy," Massrali said, referring to the NLD's victory at a general election last year, which the military argued was rigged. "The EU will monitor closely the developments and re-assess its policy, including in relation to sanctions, based on the situation on the ground."
Source/publisher: "DW News" (Germany)
2021-06-09
Date of entry/update: 2021-06-10
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
more
Topic: Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, civilian deaths, Coup, crackdown, EU, European Union, junta, military in politics, military regime, Rule of Law, Sanctions, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Topic: Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, civilian deaths, Coup, crackdown, EU, European Union, junta, military in politics, military regime, Rule of Law, Sanctions, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Description: "The European Union imposed sanctions on 10 more junta members, including its ethnic minority representatives, and two military-controlled conglomerates on Monday. The latest sanctions target nine members of the State Administrative Council (SAC), the junta’s governing body, and its information minister, U Chit Naing, who is responsible for issuing military propaganda. The EU said the sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans on those involved in decision-making, undermining democracy and serious human rights violations. At least 739 people have been killed and 3,261 detained by the regime since the military takeover on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The EU imposed sanctions on U Chit Naing, saying he was responsible for spreading disinformation through the state media. It said he was also “directly responsible for decisions that led to the crackdown on Myanmar media”. After taking over the ministry, he outlawed the words “coup”, “military regime” and “junta” in the independent media. On March 8 he removed the operating licenses of Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7Day News, Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) and Khit Thit Media, all of which had covered the protests against military rule. Seven ethnic-minority SAC members are included on the sanctions lists. Mahn Nyein Maung, a former Karen National Union leader and ex-political prisoner, ran unsuccessfully for the Lower House in Ayeyarwady Region’s Pantanaw Township for the Karen People’s Party in the Nov. 8 general election. Rakhine politician Daw Aye Nu Sein was on the Arakan National Party’s policy board and the party’s spokeswoman. Kayah politician Saw Daniel was the vice-chairman of the Kayah State Democratic Party until his dismissal from the party for joining the SAC. Dr. Banyar Aung Moe, a central executive committee member of the Mon Unity Party, was appointed to the SAC on March 17, leading to the resignation of many party members. Shan politician Sai Lone Hseng was a Shan State speaker representing the military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party. Two other members of ethnic minorities on the SAC, Jeng Phang Naw Taung and U Moung Har, also face EU sanctions. New National Democracy Party chairman U Thein Nyunt and National Democratic Force chairman U Khin Maung Swe are on the sanctions list. Both are former National League for Democracy members who quit to take part in the military-organized 2010 general election and they served as MPs until 2015. Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation Limited (MEC) have been also been sanctioned by the EU. The two conglomerates are a key source of income for the junta. They control a range of banking, trade, logistics, construction, mining, tourism and consumer goods businesses. The EU said its decision is “a sign of the EU’s unity and determination in condemning the brutal actions of the military junta and aims at effecting change in the junta’s leadership”. The 27-member bloc said its sanctions targeted the economic interests of the coup leaders and aim to avoid harm to the people of Myanmar. Some are still missing In March, the EU issued a freeze on assets and a visa ban for coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and nine other senior officers who are SAC members and for the new head of the election commission. The EU’s latest sanctions on Monday target civilian members of the SAC and one minister. Other key SAC members have evaded sanctions. Foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin, a key member of the UDSP, also served as foreign minister under President U Thein Sein when he worked with his counterparts in Asean, a role he reprised on his recent trip to Thailand. He met the Thai and Indonesian foreign ministers weeks after the military coup. Also missing is the regime’s investment and foreign economic relations minister, U Aung Naing Oo. Despite his military background, he was appointed Myanmar Investment Commission chief under the ousted National League for Democracy government. With the experience he gained under the NLD government, he is now the economics czar for the regime. The junta’s minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, Daw Thet Thet Khaing, was a military-friendly politician long before her ministerial appointment. Before the 2020 general election, she met Senior General Min Aung Hung to seek help if they were mistreated by the NLD during the election. She is a former NLD member. International cooperation minister U Ko Ko Haling used to be an adviser under U Thein Sein’s government in the early 2010s. He is a staunch supporter of China and he is an adviser to Yunnan University’s Center for Myanmar Studies. He has backed China’s policies towards Hong Kong and Taiwan. These ministers have all received severe criticism from pro-democracy supporters who have demanded western countries impose sanctions on them..."
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2021-04-20
Date of entry/update: 2021-04-21
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
Format : pdf
Size: 165.86 KB
more
Description: "The Council today decided to sanction 10 individuals and two military-controlled companies, Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation Limited (MEC) in relation to the military coup staged in Myanmar/Burma on 1 February 2021, and the ensuing military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators. The decision was taken by written procedure. The individuals targeted by sanctions are all responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma, and for repressive decisions and serious human rights violations. The two sanctioned entities are large conglomerates that operate in many sectors of Myanmar’s economy and are owned and controlled by the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), and provide revenue for it. The adopted sanctions specifically target the economic interests of Myanmar’s military regime, which is responsible for the overthrow of Burma’s democratically elected government. Sanctions are crafted in such a way to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar. Today’s decision is a sign of the EU’s unity and determination in condemning the brutal actions of the military junta, and aims at effecting change in the junta’s leadership. Today’s decision also sends a clear message to the military leadership: continuing on the current path will only bring further suffering and will never grant any legitimacy. Restrictive measures, which now apply to a total of 35 individuals and two companies, include a travel ban and an asset freeze. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. Pre-existing EU restrictive measures also remain in place. These include an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression, an export ban on dual-use goods for use by the military and border guard police, export restrictions on equipment for monitoring communications that could be used for internal repression, and a prohibition on military training for and military cooperation with the Tatmadaw. EU restrictive measures add to the withholding of financial assistance directly going to the government and the freezing of all assistance to government bodies that may be seen as legitimising the junta. The EU remains a steadfast supporter of Myanmar/Burma’s people and of the country’s democratic transition. As a tangible sign of this support, the European Commission has recently allocated a further EUR 9 million in emergency humanitarian aid to assist those in need. Since 1994, the EU has provided €287 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar, with €20.5 million allocated in 2021 so far. The EU works with trusted and independent humanitarian partners to address the protection, food, nutrition and health needs of the most vulnerable people, particularly in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin and Shan states..."
Source/publisher: Council of the European Union
2021-04-19
Date of entry/update: 2021-04-19
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language:
Format : pdf pdf
Size: 102.06 KB 102.08 KB
more