Global condemnation after dozens killed in Myanmar

Global condemnation after dozens killed in Myanmar

Defence chiefs from a dozen countries have jointly condemned the killing of at least 90 people – including several children – after security forces in Myanmar opened fire on anti-coup protesters.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests demanding a return to democracy.

The junta staged a major show of might for its annual Armed Forces Day as the death toll since the 1 February coup climbed to at least 423, according to a local monitoring group.

The defence ministers of 12 countries including the United States, UK, Japan and Australia condemned the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against civilians.

“A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves,” the rare joint statement said.

“We urge the Myanmar Armed Forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the abhorrent and indefensible killing of unarmed civilians”.

He said Ireland, as a Member of the UN Security Council, is working to “see an end to violence and to bring about a peaceful and democratic solution to this crisis”.

“I call on the Myanmar military to step back from I call on the Myanmar military to step back from actions designed to consolidate power through fear and brutal violence,” Mr Coveney said.

Irish citizens in Myanmar are urged by the Department to consider leaving the country by commercial means unless they have an urgent reason to stay.

Funerals were held today for some of the victims, after the bloodiest day since the coup.

Despite the dangers, protesters hit the streets again in the cities of Bago and Monywa, and in the small town of Moe Kaung in Kachin State, according to local media.

A day earlier, violence erupted across the country with the military using live rounds in nine regions, including the largest city Yangon, local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said.

By sunset, AAPP said at least 90 people had been killed. Local media, however, put the death toll higher at 114.

“Junta forces shot machine guns into residential areas, resulting in many civilians, including six children between ten and 16 years old, killed,” AAPP said.

“The fact the illegitimate military regime is targeting children is a grave act of inhumanity.”

There was a grand parade of troops and military vehicles in the capital Naypyidaw yesterday where junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing defended the coup and pledged to yield power after new elections.

But he also issued a threat to the anti-coup movement, warning that acts of “terrorism which can be harmful to state tranquillity and security” were unacceptable.

Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of local resistance to the Japanese occupation during World War II, and usually features a military parade attended by foreign military officers and diplomats.

The junta announced that eight international delegations attended the event, including those of China and Russia – with a state media broadcast showing Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin in the audience.

The US embassy in Yangon urged American citizens to limit their movements.

“If you must travel move cautiously and ensure you have the ability to communicate with loved ones while travelling,” American Citizen Services tweeted.

The warning came a day after the US cultural centre in Yangon had shots fired at it.

Overnight, at the Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Bangkok, a tearful Myanmar contender, Han Lay, pleaded for peace.

“I deeply feel sorry for all the people who have lost their lives on the streets,” she said in an emotional address, before singing Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World”.

“Please help Myanmar, we need your urgent international help right now.”

The Myanmar embassy in London confirmed the ambassador met with Ms Suu Kyi’s youngest son last week, who reiterated a request to speak to his mother by telephone.