US SUSPENDS TRADE ENGAGEMENT WITH MYANMAR

Mon 29 March 2021:

The United States is suspending all trade engagement with Myanmar after the recent military coup in that country and subsequent violence against civilians there, the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement on Monday.

The office’s statement indicated that the suspension will stay in place “until the return of a democratically elected government.”

“The United States supports the people of Burma in their efforts to restore a democratically elected government, which has been the foundation of Burma’s economic growth and reform,” Tai said in the statement. “The United States strongly condemns the Burmese security forces’ brutal violence against civilians.”

“The killing of peaceful protestors, students, workers, labor leaders, medics, and children has shocked the conscience of the international community,” she added. “These actions are a direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and the efforts of the Burmese people to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future.”

Biden’s administration has already instituted sanctions against Burmese generals, their families and businesses with connections to the military. The U.S. also redirected $42.4 million in assistance away from Myanmar.

Myanmar’s military launched a coup against the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1

Protesters have taken to the streets in response to the coup, resulting in crackdowns, including on Saturday when more than 100 people were killed in the deadliest day of demonstrations so far and on Sunday when forces fired at a funeral for one of the protest victims.