November 8, 2022
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced today that the United States will continue to support the National Unity Government (NUG), which is striving to restore democracy in Myanmar, on the second anniversary of the 2020 elections.
Secretary Blinken stated that the U.S. will maintain its backing for the NUG, the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and movements advocating for democracy, including support for the Rohingya people.
The announcement highlighted that the military junta is conducting arson attacks and attempting to revive an authoritarian regime against the populace, referencing the military’s actions in the official statement from the U.S. State Department.
It further noted that the upcoming sham elections organized by the military will not be free or fair and will exacerbate violence, prolonging the oppression and hindering the nation’s democratic transition and stability.
Additionally, the U.S. urged the international community to engage meaningfully only with leaders who aspire for democracy in Myanmar.
The U.S. also indicated that it will continue to work with partners to cut off the junta’s revenue streams and resources.
Since the coup, the military has killed over 2,400 civilians, and more than 16,000 individuals, including President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, have been arrested, according to the U.S.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) also issued a statement marking the two-year anniversary of the elections, reporting that since the coup, 1,169 party members, including 90 elected parliamentarians, have been detained, with 67 reported deaths.
