New EU sanctions imposed on Burmese personalities and entities linked to military coup
BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said that the latest sanctions demonstrate the strong resolve of the international community to return Myanmar to the path of democracy and hold accountable all those who planned, executed and benefitted from the military’s February power grab.
“The world is not only watching, it is acting. No tyranny can stand the power of international solidarity. We will continue with our collective and varied efforts in the international arena until democracy and civilian rule are restored in Myanmar,” Yuson said.
However, BWI reminded the EU that more sanctions are needed to hurt the military junta’s foreign currency stocks. It was reported that the country’s natural gas revenue is the military junta's biggest source of foreign currency income, including approximately $1 billion in duties, taxes, royalties, fees, tariffs, and other profits.
In a statement, the EU said that it imposed new sanctions on 8 individuals, 3 economic entities and the War Veterans Organisation in relation to the military coup staged in Myanmar and the ensuing repression against peaceful demonstrators.
The individuals sanctioned 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. The EU said that by targeting Myanmar’s gems and timber sectors, the sanctions will restrict the junta’s ability to profit from the country’s natural resources, while avoiding undue harm to the Burmese people.
A total of 43 Burmese personalities and 6 entities are now sanctioned by the EU. This includes an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. A travel ban was also issued against the involved individuals, preventing them from entering or transiting through any EU territory.