The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on members of Myanmar's junta, who took control of the country in a February 1 coup, as well as its new information minister and two conglomerates controlled by the military.&nbsp;

In its firmest response yet to the ousting of an elected government led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the EU said nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. So was information minister U Chit Naing.&nbsp;

The decision, first reported on March 8 and April 15, puts the leaders of the junta and their top administrators under sanctions and follows similar measures by the United States. Myanmar Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month.&nbsp;

Myanmar's State Administration Council was 'responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law', the EU said in its Official Journal.&nbsp;

"The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since February 1, 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protesters," the EU said.&nbsp;

The EU also moved to target two companies that generate revenue for the Myanmar Armed Forces, a robust step following on from sanctions on 11 senior military officials, including the commander in chief, last month. The EU has an arms embargo on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) were targeted with sanctions on Monday, barring EU investors and banks from doing business with them. Human rights groups had called for them to be sanctioned.&nbsp;

"MEHL and its subsidiaries generate revenue (for the military), therefore contributing to its capabilities to carry out activities undermining democracy and the rule of law and to serious human rights violations in Myanmar," the EU said. It made the same charges against MEC.&nbsp;

The conglomerates are spread throughout the economy from mining and manufacturing to food and beverages to hotels, telecoms and banking. They rank among the country's biggest taxpayers and sought partnerships with foreign companies as Myanmar opened up during the democratic liberalisation.&nbsp;

Like several Western powers, the EU has condemned the coup and called for the restoration of civilian rule.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on members of Myanmar's junta, who took control of the country in a February 1 coup, as well as its new information minister and two conglomerates controlled by the military.

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on members of Myanmar's junta, who took control of the country in a February 1 coup, as well as its new information minister and two conglomerates controlled by the military. In its firmest response yet to the ousting of an elected government led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the EU said nine members of the junta's State Administration Council, formed the day after the coup, had been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes. So was information minister U Chit Naing. The decision, first reported on March 8 and April 15, puts the leaders of the junta and their top administrators under sanctions and follows similar measures by the United States. Myanmar Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myint Swe, who has been acting president since the coup, were blacklisted by the EU last month. Myanmar's State Administration Council was 'responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law', the EU said in its Official Journal. "The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since February 1, 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protesters," the EU said. The EU also moved to target two companies that generate revenue for the Myanmar Armed Forces, a robust step following on from sanctions on 11 senior military officials, including the commander in chief, last month. The EU has an arms embargo on Myanmar. Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) were targeted with sanctions on Monday, barring EU investors and banks from doing business with them. Human rights groups had called for them to be sanctioned. "MEHL and its subsidiaries generate revenue (for the military), therefore contributing to its capabilities to carry out activities undermining democracy and the rule of law and to serious human rights violations in Myanmar," the EU said. It made the same charges against MEC. The conglomerates are spread throughout the economy from mining and manufacturing to food and beverages to hotels, telecoms and banking. They rank among the country's biggest taxpayers and sought partnerships with foreign companies as Myanmar opened up during the democratic liberalisation. Like several Western powers, the EU has condemned the coup and called for the restoration of civilian rule. (With inputs from agencies)

EU hits Myanmar junta members, two military companies with sanctions 

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.&nbsp;

The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported.&nbsp;

Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment.&nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters.&nbsp;

Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters.&nbsp;

The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences.&nbsp;

The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy.&nbsp;

Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. &nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.&nbsp;

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said. The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported. Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14. A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment. More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters. Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta. Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters. The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences. The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy. Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said. Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said. Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.

10 Myanmar policemen killed in attack by ethnic armies opposed to junta: Report 

At least 11 demonstrators were killed in clashes with security forces in a town in northwest Myanmar after truckloads of troops arrived to quell a protest against the ruling military junta, domestic media reported on Thursday.

Protesters armed with homemade guns, knives and firebombs fought back against the troops in the town of Taze and more soldiers were brought in, the Myanmar Now and Irrawaddy news outlets said.

Fighting carried on into Thursday morning and at least 11 protesters were killed and about 20 wounded, they said. There was no word of any casualties among the soldiers.

It took the toll of civilians killed by security forces to more than 600 since the junta seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group.

Taze is near the town of Kale, where at least 12 people were killed in a similar clash between troops and protesters on Wednesday, according to news media and witnesses.

The incidents could signal a new phase in a struggle in which the opposition has largely used peaceful means of protest despite the lethal actions of the security forces.

"People will try to defend their own lives and their rights," said a former government minister who belongs to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of lawmakers representing the ousted civilian government.

"People will not wait for CRPH to act," the minister told Reuters. "The CRPH cannot stop the possible armed resistance by the people, from the people."The junta could not be reached for comment.

Security Council

A member of the CRPH, which is attempting to restore the civilian government, will on Friday address an informal, virtual gathering of the 15 U.N. Security Council members in New York, diplomats said.

It will be the first public discussion of Myanmar by the Council's members since the coup on Feb. 1.

The Security Council has condemned the violence against protesters, but has not defined the military takeover as a coup or threatened any action, due to opposition by China, Russia, India and Vietnam.

The United States, which has imposed sanctions on the junta's economic interests, on Thursday added a state-owned gem enterprise to its list of targets.

The junta has not baulked at taking on celebrities, and on Thursday arrested Paing Takhon, a popular 24-year-old model and actor who had spoken out against the coup and pledged support for Aung San Suu Kyi, his sister Thi Thi Lwin said.

She said eight trucks and about 50 soldiers had come to pick him up at their parents' home in Yangon, where he had been staying as he was unwell from malaria and a heart condition. She did not know where he had been taken.

AAPP has said over 2,800 people are in detention for opposing the junta.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar's leading champion of democracy over three decades, has been held at an undisclosed location since the coup and charged with crimes that could see her jailed and banned from politics.

Her National League for Democracy won an election in November but the military - which has ruled Burma for most of its post-independence history - alleged that it had been marred by fraud.

The junta's vice-chairman, Soe Win, was shown on state-run television meeting with military officers in Shan state to detail what he said were more cases of fraud. Many Western governments have dismissed the assertions as nonsense.

Blacklisted gems

The United States, the European Union and others have already imposed sanctions on generals involved in the coup and some of their family members, as well as two conglomerates controlled by the military.

The latest U.S. sanctions blacklisted Myanma Gems Enterprise, part of the mining ministry.

The move blocks Americans from doing business with the entity, which issues permits and licences to mine precious stones and collects revenues from the sale of gems and jade. The U.S. Treasury Department said it would curb the junta's ability to generate revenues.

Myanmar is the world's main source of jade, and a major source of rubies and other rare gems.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States would "keep increasing pressure on the regime’s revenue streams until it ceases its violence, releases all those unjustly detained, lifts martial law and the nationwide state of emergency, removes telecommunications restrictions, and restores Burma to the path of democracy".

An adviser to the CRPH told Reuters that at least six lawmakers from the National League for Democracy were now sheltering in India.

An Indian police official said they were among about 1,800 people who had entered from Myanmar since late February.

"MPs are in great danger at the moment in Myanmar. They are being searched, they are being followed by the soldiers," the adviser said.

At least 11 demonstrators were killed in clashes with security forces in a town in northwest Myanmar after truckloads of troops arrived to quell a protest against the ruling military junta, domestic media reported on Thursday.

At least 11 demonstrators were killed in clashes with security forces in a town in northwest Myanmar after truckloads of troops arrived to quell a protest against the ruling military junta, domestic media reported on Thursday. Protesters armed with homemade guns, knives and firebombs fought back against the troops in the town of Taze and more soldiers were brought in, the Myanmar Now and Irrawaddy news outlets said. Fighting carried on into Thursday morning and at least 11 protesters were killed and about 20 wounded, they said. There was no word of any casualties among the soldiers. It took the toll of civilians killed by security forces to more than 600 since the junta seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group. Taze is near the town of Kale, where at least 12 people were killed in a similar clash between troops and protesters on Wednesday, according to news media and witnesses. The incidents could signal a new phase in a struggle in which the opposition has largely used peaceful means of protest despite the lethal actions of the security forces. "People will try to defend their own lives and their rights," said a former government minister who belongs to the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of lawmakers representing the ousted civilian government. "People will not wait for CRPH to act," the minister told Reuters. "The CRPH cannot stop the possible armed resistance by the people, from the people."The junta could not be reached for comment. Security Council A member of the CRPH, which is attempting to restore the civilian government, will on Friday address an informal, virtual gathering of the 15 U.N. Security Council members in New York, diplomats said. It will be the first public discussion of Myanmar by the Council's members since the coup on Feb. 1. The Security Council has condemned the violence against protesters, but has not defined the military takeover as a coup or threatened any action, due to opposition by China, Russia, India and Vietnam. The United States, which has imposed sanctions on the junta's economic interests, on Thursday added a state-owned gem enterprise to its list of targets. The junta has not baulked at taking on celebrities, and on Thursday arrested Paing Takhon, a popular 24-year-old model and actor who had spoken out against the coup and pledged support for Aung San Suu Kyi, his sister Thi Thi Lwin said. She said eight trucks and about 50 soldiers had come to pick him up at their parents' home in Yangon, where he had been staying as he was unwell from malaria and a heart condition. She did not know where he had been taken. AAPP has said over 2,800 people are in detention for opposing the junta. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar's leading champion of democracy over three decades, has been held at an undisclosed location since the coup and charged with crimes that could see her jailed and banned from politics. Her National League for Democracy won an election in November but the military - which has ruled Burma for most of its post-independence history - alleged that it had been marred by fraud. The junta's vice-chairman, Soe Win, was shown on state-run television meeting with military officers in Shan state to detail what he said were more cases of fraud. Many Western governments have dismissed the assertions as nonsense. Blacklisted gems The United States, the European Union and others have already imposed sanctions on generals involved in the coup and some of their family members, as well as two conglomerates controlled by the military. The latest U.S. sanctions blacklisted Myanma Gems Enterprise, part of the mining ministry. The move blocks Americans from doing business with the entity, which issues permits and licences to mine precious stones and collects revenues from the sale of gems and jade. The U.S. Treasury Department said it would curb the junta's ability to generate revenues. Myanmar is the world's main source of jade, and a major source of rubies and other rare gems. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States would "keep increasing pressure on the regime’s revenue streams until it ceases its violence, releases all those unjustly detained, lifts martial law and the nationwide state of emergency, removes telecommunications restrictions, and restores Burma to the path of democracy". An adviser to the CRPH told Reuters that at least six lawmakers from the National League for Democracy were now sheltering in India. An Indian police official said they were among about 1,800 people who had entered from Myanmar since late February. "MPs are in great danger at the moment in Myanmar. They are being searched, they are being followed by the soldiers," the adviser said.

Armed clashes break out in Myanmar between troops and anti-junta protesters, US expands sanctions

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media.

"Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country.

Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media.

Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed.

Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday.

In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported.

Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. 
Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men. In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media. "Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country. Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media. Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed. Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday. In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported. Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance 

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past.&nbsp;

Take the Rohingya crisis, for instance, the United Nations has described them as the world's most persecuted minority. More Than 740,000 Rohingya have fled the country since 2017. Their persecutors were the military, the same military that has now grabbed power in Myanmar.&nbsp;

The allegations against them are serious. The Myanmar military burned down villages, massacred thousands and raped hundreds of Rohingya women.&nbsp;

All of this has been recorded in testimonies by survivors. They describe the soldiers as ruthless plunderers. It is easy to blame the foot soldiers for these crimes but it was the senior commanders, who gave the orders. Brigadiers and generals have wanted villages burnt and mass graves dug. The army has sanctioned a genocide. This is the power of the Myanmar army that even the civilian government backed them. Remember, Aung Saan Su Kyi's defence at the international court.&nbsp;

It was her effort to defend the military to earn their goodwill but the army seems unwilling to reciprocate. They have ousted Suu Kyi and charged her with multiple crimes. It is a lesson for leaders around the world, military regimes have their own interests and public interest rarely features in it.&nbsp;

The military transferred power to civilians in 2011 but they never actually gave up their powers. The Myanmar military is the second largest standing army in the region after Vietnam. The constitution grants them seats in the parliament and a quarter of the budget is dedicated to their expenses. &nbsp;

Politically and economically, they're a force to reckon with and we're seeing evidence of it right now. Massive protests and anti-coup demonstrations but the military is unmoved. The protests continue and so does the crackdown. The military's brutal clamp down has triggered another exodus. This time, across the border to India. Protesters are fleeing the ruthless security forces.&nbsp;

They are escaping illegal detention. This includes cops, who are unwilling to carry out the junta's orders. They say, they were asked to beat, arrest and torture the anti-coup protesters. This has put neighbouring countries including India in a spot. They are being forced to welcome refugees in the middle of a pandemic. The world response has been limited to statements and sanctions. Both of which have proven ineffective so far.&nbsp;

The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions. They are targeting the junta leader and his family but sanctions aren't new for Myanmar's military. Most of their leaders were sanctioned during the Rohingya crackdown. This may have nudged them towards partial reforms but they continued to hold an iron grip over the country. &nbsp;

So, what are the army's motives? Why do they continue to sabotage civilian governments? Here's the first thing you need to know about Myanmar's military. They have strong views on religion, politics and economy.&nbsp;

The army is dominated by Burmese speaking Buddhists. They advocate majoritarian nationalism. This explains the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims and senior officers double up as businessmen.&nbsp;

They own stakes in lucrative ventures and have used their political power to fill their pockets. A civilian government could possibly investigate these discrepancies. So, the army never let go of control. There's a reason most countries opt for division of powers. There's a reason, they keep armies under civilian control. At the end of the day, it's about culture. &nbsp;

Once the army gets a taste of political and economic power, they refuse to let go. We've seen this in Pakistan over the years, Myanmar is no different. As they say, a thinking soldier is an asset and a plotting soldier is a threat.&nbsp;

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past.

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past. Take the Rohingya crisis, for instance, the United Nations has described them as the world's most persecuted minority. More Than 740,000 Rohingya have fled the country since 2017. Their persecutors were the military, the same military that has now grabbed power in Myanmar. The allegations against them are serious. The Myanmar military burned down villages, massacred thousands and raped hundreds of Rohingya women. All of this has been recorded in testimonies by survivors. They describe the soldiers as ruthless plunderers. It is easy to blame the foot soldiers for these crimes but it was the senior commanders, who gave the orders. Brigadiers and generals have wanted villages burnt and mass graves dug. The army has sanctioned a genocide. This is the power of the Myanmar army that even the civilian government backed them. Remember, Aung Saan Su Kyi's defence at the international court. It was her effort to defend the military to earn their goodwill but the army seems unwilling to reciprocate. They have ousted Suu Kyi and charged her with multiple crimes. It is a lesson for leaders around the world, military regimes have their own interests and public interest rarely features in it. The military transferred power to civilians in 2011 but they never actually gave up their powers. The Myanmar military is the second largest standing army in the region after Vietnam. The constitution grants them seats in the parliament and a quarter of the budget is dedicated to their expenses. Politically and economically, they're a force to reckon with and we're seeing evidence of it right now. Massive protests and anti-coup demonstrations but the military is unmoved. The protests continue and so does the crackdown. The military's brutal clamp down has triggered another exodus. This time, across the border to India. Protesters are fleeing the ruthless security forces. They are escaping illegal detention. This includes cops, who are unwilling to carry out the junta's orders. They say, they were asked to beat, arrest and torture the anti-coup protesters. This has put neighbouring countries including India in a spot. They are being forced to welcome refugees in the middle of a pandemic. The world response has been limited to statements and sanctions. Both of which have proven ineffective so far. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions. They are targeting the junta leader and his family but sanctions aren't new for Myanmar's military. Most of their leaders were sanctioned during the Rohingya crackdown. This may have nudged them towards partial reforms but they continued to hold an iron grip over the country. So, what are the army's motives? Why do they continue to sabotage civilian governments? Here's the first thing you need to know about Myanmar's military. They have strong views on religion, politics and economy. The army is dominated by Burmese speaking Buddhists. They advocate majoritarian nationalism. This explains the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims and senior officers double up as businessmen. They own stakes in lucrative ventures and have used their political power to fill their pockets. A civilian government could possibly investigate these discrepancies. So, the army never let go of control. There's a reason most countries opt for division of powers. There's a reason, they keep armies under civilian control. At the end of the day, it's about culture. Once the army gets a taste of political and economic power, they refuse to let go. We've seen this in Pakistan over the years, Myanmar is no different. As they say, a thinking soldier is an asset and a plotting soldier is a threat.

Myanmar military and its love for power 

The crackdown on the pro-democracy movement is turning ugly. Two teenagers have been shot dead. They are the youngest civilians to get killed since the coup unfolded but the protests continue unabated.&nbsp;

At the same time, the junta has aired new allegations of bribery against Aung San Suu Kyi and it is investigating an Australian citizen for breaching Myanmar's Official Secrets Act.&nbsp;

14-year-old Tun Tun Ang went out to fetch some water for his family but he was shot dead in indiscriminate firing by security forces. His mother weeped uncontrollably and collapsed as an open-casket funeral was held.&nbsp;

Mother of deceased 14-year-old civilian Tun Tun Aung, said, "I said to him 'my son, you are so young. If you want to follow (the protest), I will accompany you and cheer you on', but now, this breaks my heart."&nbsp;

In a nearby township, another funeral was held as another teenager had died, 15-year-old Zaw Myo Htet, who was shot in the head at a tea shop. His mother is heart-broken and helpless. Mother of 15-year-old civilian Zaw Myo Htet, said, "It was known that my son had died from a gunshot at about 12 o'clock midnight on March 21. He said he will give his salary to me. He was supposed to come back to our village in April but now, he left me. I feel heartbroken by this military, as they brutally murdered my son. I want to kill them, as they killed my son. I want them to lose their lives like my own son did."&nbsp;

These two teenagers have become the youngest civilians to get killed since the February 1 coup. Their deaths have only strengthened the resolve of the protesters. &nbsp;

Meanwhile in Yangon, protesters released dozens of red balloons in defiance of the brutal crackdown.&nbsp;

In the city of Dawei, thousands of university students marched on the streets with one slogan 'our fight must prevail' and in Mandalay, the protesters are using slingshots to deal with bullets.&nbsp;

The determination of these protesters is catching the world's attention. The European Union has decided to sanction 11 more people involved in the coup.&nbsp;

Josep Borrell, European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, said, "On Myanmar, we took stock of the situation in the country which sadly continues to deteriorate dramatically following the military coup. There are more than 250 people killed by the army using arms of war against the demonstrators. We have imposed sanctions against 11 individuals responsible for the ongoing repression."&nbsp;

Germany has decided to sanction those involved in the crackdown. German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said, "Today, we will discuss Myanmar. What we are witnessing there in terms of violent excesses is absolutely unacceptable. The amount of murders has reached an unbearable level and that's why we won't be getting around imposing sanctions, but aimed at those in charge of what is happening on the streets."&nbsp;

But the sanctions might do little to stop the crackdown from targeting the people of Myanmar. The junta is now going after foreign citizens. It is investigating Australian Economist Sean Turnell for breaching the country's Official Secrets Act.&nbsp;

Turnell was once an advisor to the Myanmar govt. He is now under detention. So is the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It's been seven weeks since anybody saw her. As concerns over Suu Kyi's health rise, the army has filed fresh charges of corruption against her.&nbsp;

At a press conference in Naypyitaw, the army aired a video testimony of Yangon's former chief minister, who claimed to have bribed Suu Kyi several times. Whether the video was shot under duress is anybody's guess.&nbsp;

Former Yangon chief minister, Phyo Min Thein, said, "I went into Aung San Suu Kyi's house carrying silk and food in shopping bags that also included 20 packs of 100 sheets of $100 notes per pack, which were $200,000 in total, and 25 gold bars, each of them 160 grams (0.35 lbs) of academy-branded gold bars totalling 4 kilograms (8.8 lbs) of gold by myself and I handed them to her own hands, telling her to use them for personal needs or for her party's victory or for the Daw Khin Kyi foundation or wherever needed."&nbsp;

51 days since the military coup, the turmoil in Myanmar is yet to end. The death toll has breached the 250 mark and the world needs to do more than just imposing sanctions.&nbsp;

The crackdown on the pro-democracy movement is turning ugly. Two teenagers have been shot dead. They are the youngest civilians to get killed since the coup unfolded but the protests continue unabated.

The crackdown on the pro-democracy movement is turning ugly. Two teenagers have been shot dead. They are the youngest civilians to get killed since the coup unfolded but the protests continue unabated. At the same time, the junta has aired new allegations of bribery against Aung San Suu Kyi and it is investigating an Australian citizen for breaching Myanmar's Official Secrets Act. 14-year-old Tun Tun Ang went out to fetch some water for his family but he was shot dead in indiscriminate firing by security forces. His mother weeped uncontrollably and collapsed as an open-casket funeral was held. Mother of deceased 14-year-old civilian Tun Tun Aung, said, "I said to him 'my son, you are so young. If you want to follow (the protest), I will accompany you and cheer you on', but now, this breaks my heart." In a nearby township, another funeral was held as another teenager had died, 15-year-old Zaw Myo Htet, who was shot in the head at a tea shop. His mother is heart-broken and helpless. Mother of 15-year-old civilian Zaw Myo Htet, said, "It was known that my son had died from a gunshot at about 12 o'clock midnight on March 21. He said he will give his salary to me. He was supposed to come back to our village in April but now, he left me. I feel heartbroken by this military, as they brutally murdered my son. I want to kill them, as they killed my son. I want them to lose their lives like my own son did." These two teenagers have become the youngest civilians to get killed since the February 1 coup. Their deaths have only strengthened the resolve of the protesters. Meanwhile in Yangon, protesters released dozens of red balloons in defiance of the brutal crackdown. In the city of Dawei, thousands of university students marched on the streets with one slogan 'our fight must prevail' and in Mandalay, the protesters are using slingshots to deal with bullets. The determination of these protesters is catching the world's attention. The European Union has decided to sanction 11 more people involved in the coup. Josep Borrell, European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, said, "On Myanmar, we took stock of the situation in the country which sadly continues to deteriorate dramatically following the military coup. There are more than 250 people killed by the army using arms of war against the demonstrators. We have imposed sanctions against 11 individuals responsible for the ongoing repression." Germany has decided to sanction those involved in the crackdown. German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said, "Today, we will discuss Myanmar. What we are witnessing there in terms of violent excesses is absolutely unacceptable. The amount of murders has reached an unbearable level and that's why we won't be getting around imposing sanctions, but aimed at those in charge of what is happening on the streets." But the sanctions might do little to stop the crackdown from targeting the people of Myanmar. The junta is now going after foreign citizens. It is investigating Australian Economist Sean Turnell for breaching the country's Official Secrets Act. Turnell was once an advisor to the Myanmar govt. He is now under detention. So is the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It's been seven weeks since anybody saw her. As concerns over Suu Kyi's health rise, the army has filed fresh charges of corruption against her. At a press conference in Naypyitaw, the army aired a video testimony of Yangon's former chief minister, who claimed to have bribed Suu Kyi several times. Whether the video was shot under duress is anybody's guess. Former Yangon chief minister, Phyo Min Thein, said, "I went into Aung San Suu Kyi's house carrying silk and food in shopping bags that also included 20 packs of 100 sheets of $100 notes per pack, which were $200,000 in total, and 25 gold bars, each of them 160 grams (0.35 lbs) of academy-branded gold bars totalling 4 kilograms (8.8 lbs) of gold by myself and I handed them to her own hands, telling her to use them for personal needs or for her party's victory or for the Daw Khin Kyi foundation or wherever needed." 51 days since the military coup, the turmoil in Myanmar is yet to end. The death toll has breached the 250 mark and the world needs to do more than just imposing sanctions.

Myanmar crisis deepens with latest developments 

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest.&nbsp;

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee.&nbsp;

Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms.&nbsp;

Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation.&nbsp;

Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy.&nbsp;

More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says.&nbsp;

Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday. In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee. Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms. Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation. Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy. More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says. Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified. (With inputs from agencies)

After bloody crackdown, Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities  

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show.&nbsp;

More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since February 1, when Myanmar's generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm, Dickens &amp; Madson Canada, will represent Myanmar's military government in Washington, as well as lobby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Russia, and international bodies like the United Nations, according to a consultancy agreement.&nbsp;

The Montreal-based firm will 'assist the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and also to assist in explaining the real situation in the Country,' read the agreement, submitted on Monday to the Justice Department as part of compliance with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act and published online.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the Myanmar military government did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.&nbsp;

In a pitch that has been met with widespread scepticism, Ben-Menashe said he had been tasked with convincing the United States that Myanmar's generals wanted to move closer to the West and away from China. He said the generals wanted to resettle Rohingya Muslims, who fled a 2017 military assault for which the United Nations has accused those same generals of overseeing a genocide.&nbsp;

"It is highly implausible that he could convince the United States of the narrative he’s proposing," said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Other documents submitted by Ben-Menashe showed the agreement was reached with the junta's defence minister, General Mya Tun Oo and that the government would pay the firm $2 million.&nbsp;

Mya Tun Oo and other top generals have been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department and the Canadian government, so the paperwork says the payment will be made 'when legally permissible'.&nbsp;

Lawyers said that Ben-Menashe could be in breach of sanctions.&nbsp;

“To the extent that he is providing services to sanctioned parties from the United States without authorisation, that would appear to be a violation of US law,” said Peter Kucik, a former senior sanctions adviser at the US Treasury.&nbsp;

The US Treasury Department declined to comment.&nbsp;

Ben-Menashe said he had received legal advice that he would need licenses from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) and the Canadian government to accept the payment, but that he would not be breaking the law by lobbying for the junta.&nbsp;

"There's technicalities here but we'll leave it to the lawyers and OFAC to deal with it," he said, adding his lawyers were in touch with Treasury officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show.

An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show. More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since February 1, when Myanmar's generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm, Dickens & Madson Canada, will represent Myanmar's military government in Washington, as well as lobby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Russia, and international bodies like the United Nations, according to a consultancy agreement. The Montreal-based firm will 'assist the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and also to assist in explaining the real situation in the Country,' read the agreement, submitted on Monday to the Justice Department as part of compliance with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act and published online. A spokesman for the Myanmar military government did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. In a pitch that has been met with widespread scepticism, Ben-Menashe said he had been tasked with convincing the United States that Myanmar's generals wanted to move closer to the West and away from China. He said the generals wanted to resettle Rohingya Muslims, who fled a 2017 military assault for which the United Nations has accused those same generals of overseeing a genocide. "It is highly implausible that he could convince the United States of the narrative he’s proposing," said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. Other documents submitted by Ben-Menashe showed the agreement was reached with the junta's defence minister, General Mya Tun Oo and that the government would pay the firm $2 million. Mya Tun Oo and other top generals have been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department and the Canadian government, so the paperwork says the payment will be made 'when legally permissible'. Lawyers said that Ben-Menashe could be in breach of sanctions. “To the extent that he is providing services to sanctioned parties from the United States without authorisation, that would appear to be a violation of US law,” said Peter Kucik, a former senior sanctions adviser at the US Treasury. The US Treasury Department declined to comment. Ben-Menashe said he had received legal advice that he would need licenses from the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) and the Canadian government to accept the payment, but that he would not be breaking the law by lobbying for the junta. "There's technicalities here but we'll leave it to the lawyers and OFAC to deal with it," he said, adding his lawyers were in touch with Treasury officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Lobbyist to get $2 million to 'explain' Myanmar's coup for junta 

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets. They have dug their heels and have refused to withdraw. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the weekend, the military resorted to lethal force and opened fire on the protesters, killing 18. The crackdown is increasingly getting violent and fierce and the military junta is now said to be deploying more sophisticated tools to sustain this coup. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A group of activists is now claiming that Myanmar's military and security forces have an arsenal of digital weapons. They are allegedly being used in the crackdown against peaceful protesters. What are these digital weapons? And what can they do?&nbsp;

The list of tools is rather long. They were bought by the Myanmar government in recent years. Bulk of the technology came from the West but now these tools have fallen into the hands of the military.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-military-deploys-digital-weapons-against-opponents-367515">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-military-deploys-digital-weapons-against-opponents-367515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to this activist group, the Myanmar's military can hack passwords, clone phones, track signals, gather social media intelligence, analyse photographs, and process large amounts of data.&nbsp;

A report shines light on what these kinds of tools can really do. It claims that Myanmar's military has surveillance drones in its arsenal.&nbsp;

They have devices to crack iPhones and software that can hack into computers and steal content. Reportedly in the last two fiscal years, tens of millions of dollars were earmarked for these technologies that can mine computers, track the live locations of people and listen to their conversations.&nbsp;

The United Nations special rapporteur on Myanmar has called for a global arms embargo. The special rapporteur alongside the deputy high commissioner for human rights supported the idea of targeted sanctions too.&nbsp;

Nearly 140 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 31 countries have signed an open letter. It calls on the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar but there is no consensus yet on the world stage.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the military continues to strengthen its hand with laws that give it more powers like the cyber security bill. &nbsp;

This proposed law would require internet service providers to store user data at a location identified by the government for three years, allow the military junta access to the personal data of users and force the removal of any content on demand. Several human rights groups have called the cyber security bill draconian. With such laws and the violent crackdown against the protesters, Myanmar's military has painted a target on its back.&nbsp;

It is now the focus of targeted sanctions by the West. The United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union have implemented 'smart sanctions'. Reportedly, this is an attempt to 'squeeze the military' and its business interests, making it harder for the junta to conduct business with the West and other countries in the region could be mulling similar moves.&nbsp;

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets.

The military has been controlling Myanmar for a month now. After a slow start, the pro-democracy protests have strengthened. Thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets. They have dug their heels and have refused to withdraw. Over the weekend, the military resorted to lethal force and opened fire on the protesters, killing 18. The crackdown is increasingly getting violent and fierce and the military junta is now said to be deploying more sophisticated tools to sustain this coup. A group of activists is now claiming that Myanmar's military and security forces have an arsenal of digital weapons. They are allegedly being used in the crackdown against peaceful protesters. What are these digital weapons? And what can they do? The list of tools is rather long. They were bought by the Myanmar government in recent years. Bulk of the technology came from the West but now these tools have fallen into the hands of the military. WATCH | According to this activist group, the Myanmar's military can hack passwords, clone phones, track signals, gather social media intelligence, analyse photographs, and process large amounts of data. A report shines light on what these kinds of tools can really do. It claims that Myanmar's military has surveillance drones in its arsenal. They have devices to crack iPhones and software that can hack into computers and steal content. Reportedly in the last two fiscal years, tens of millions of dollars were earmarked for these technologies that can mine computers, track the live locations of people and listen to their conversations. The United Nations special rapporteur on Myanmar has called for a global arms embargo. The special rapporteur alongside the deputy high commissioner for human rights supported the idea of targeted sanctions too. Nearly 140 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 31 countries have signed an open letter. It calls on the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar but there is no consensus yet on the world stage. Meanwhile, the military continues to strengthen its hand with laws that give it more powers like the cyber security bill. This proposed law would require internet service providers to store user data at a location identified by the government for three years, allow the military junta access to the personal data of users and force the removal of any content on demand. Several human rights groups have called the cyber security bill draconian. With such laws and the violent crackdown against the protesters, Myanmar's military has painted a target on its back. It is now the focus of targeted sanctions by the West. The United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union have implemented 'smart sanctions'. Reportedly, this is an attempt to 'squeeze the military' and its business interests, making it harder for the junta to conduct business with the West and other countries in the region could be mulling similar moves.

'Myanmar's junta using digital weapons’ arsenal against protesters'

All eyes have been on Myanmar regarding the military coup and its decision of crackdown on its people. Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State has now announced sanctions against two leaders of Myanmar's Junta in an action where US has stepped up against the military coup.

Myanmar: US sanctions on two members of ruling state administrative council

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday.&nbsp;

In a bid to denounce the regime, young demonstrators spilled on to the streets, many donning red headbands -- the colour associated with ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party. &nbsp;

Around 1,000 demonstrators marched on a road near Yangon University, most holding up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolise resistance to the army takeover. The crowd yelled, "Down with the military dictatorship!" &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-restricts-twitter-as-outrage-over-coup-grows-361666">Myanmar restricts Twitter as outrage over coup grows</a>

A large police contingent blocked nearby roads with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene. &nbsp;

The march came as Myanmar was plunged into its second nationwide internet blackout this week, similar in magnitude to an earlier shutdown that coincided with the arrest of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders on Monday.&nbsp;

Those dawn raids brought a sudden halt to Myanmar's brief 10-year experiment with democracy, and catalysed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets.&nbsp;

Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime, including the nightly deafening clamour of people around the country banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-military-arrests-key-aung-san-suu-kyi-aide-361571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some have shown their opposition by gathering for group photographs with banners decrying the coup and flashing a three-finger salute earlier adopted by democracy protesters in neighbouring Thailand.&nbsp;

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a special envoy to the country had made 'first contact' with Myanmar's deputy military commander to urge the junta to relinquish power to the civilian government it toppled.&nbsp;

"We will do everything we can to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed," he told reporters on Friday. &nbsp;

State media in Myanmar reported on Saturday that junta figures had spoken with diplomats the previous day to respond to an international outcry and asked them to work with the new leaders. &nbsp;

"The Government understand the concerns of the international community on the continuation of Myanmar's democratic transition process," International Cooperation Minister Ko Ko Hlaing said in the meeting, according to the report.&nbsp;

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday.

In order to keep a tab on the growing protests against the country's new military regime, Myanmar junta has initiated a nationwide internet blackout. The development seems to have backfired as Myanmar witnessed its largest anti-coup protests yet on Saturday. In a bid to denounce the regime, young demonstrators spilled on to the streets, many donning red headbands -- the colour associated with ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party. Around 1,000 demonstrators marched on a road near Yangon University, most holding up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolise resistance to the army takeover. The crowd yelled, "Down with the military dictatorship!" Also read | Myanmar restricts Twitter as outrage over coup grows A large police contingent blocked nearby roads with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene. The march came as Myanmar was plunged into its second nationwide internet blackout this week, similar in magnitude to an earlier shutdown that coincided with the arrest of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders on Monday. Those dawn raids brought a sudden halt to Myanmar's brief 10-year experiment with democracy, and catalysed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets. Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime, including the nightly deafening clamour of people around the country banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil. Some have shown their opposition by gathering for group photographs with banners decrying the coup and flashing a three-finger salute earlier adopted by democracy protesters in neighbouring Thailand. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a special envoy to the country had made 'first contact' with Myanmar's deputy military commander to urge the junta to relinquish power to the civilian government it toppled. "We will do everything we can to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed," he told reporters on Friday. State media in Myanmar reported on Saturday that junta figures had spoken with diplomats the previous day to respond to an international outcry and asked them to work with the new leaders. "The Government understand the concerns of the international community on the continuation of Myanmar's democratic transition process," International Cooperation Minister Ko Ko Hlaing said in the meeting, according to the report.

Myanmar’s nationwide internet blackout triggers protests’ surge

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup.

The junta had invited civic groups, political organisations and former rebels to consultations on Saturday, but said in a statement that the meeting was postponed to a later date.

A protest coalition that had campaigned against former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the June 5 Movement, had not been invited to participate in the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-junta-wants-military-rule-for-three-years-agrees-to-free-president-322652">Also read:&nbsp;Mali junta wants military rule for three years, agrees to free president</a>

The group has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which the military has promised, though without a timetable.

After an escalating series of mass protests, young army officers mutinied on August 18, seizing Keita and other leaders and declaring they now governed the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-african-leaders-add-to-pressure-on-mali-after-coup-322437">Also read:&nbsp;West African leaders add to pressure on Mali after coup</a>

The coup shocked Mali's West African neighbours and ally France, heightening worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise.

Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, said Friday that the new military rulers did not have "carte blanche".

His comments came as a new document published on the Malian government's Official Journal said the junta's head had been effectively invested with the powers of head of state.&nbsp;

West African leaders, meanwhile, on Friday demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months as they considered sanctions.

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup.

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup. The junta had invited civic groups, political organisations and former rebels to consultations on Saturday, but said in a statement that the meeting was postponed to a later date. A protest coalition that had campaigned against former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the June 5 Movement, had not been invited to participate in the meeting. Also read: Mali junta wants military rule for three years, agrees to free president The group has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which the military has promised, though without a timetable. After an escalating series of mass protests, young army officers mutinied on August 18, seizing Keita and other leaders and declaring they now governed the country. Also read: West African leaders add to pressure on Mali after coup The coup shocked Mali's West African neighbours and ally France, heightening worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise. Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, said Friday that the new military rulers did not have "carte blanche". His comments came as a new document published on the Malian government's Official Journal said the junta's head had been effectively invested with the powers of head of state. West African leaders, meanwhile, on Friday demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months as they considered sanctions.

Mali junta postpones first meeting over transfer of powers

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy.

The “Royalist Marketplace” group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country’s Computer Crime Act.

Facebook (FB.O) said it was compelled to comply and would mount a legal challenge in court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-block-new-facebook-group-critical-of-thai-monarchy-gains-500000-members-323118">Also read:&nbsp;After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members</a>

The tension comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former junta chief, during which some demonstrators have made unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand.

Meanwhile, a new group with a similar name created by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, has amassed over 700,000 members in just two days.

“If they start a new group or do anything illegal again, we’ll need to act again. We’ll keep doing this no matter how many times it takes,” digital minister Puttipong Punnakanta said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-planning-to-challenge-thai-governments-demand-to-block-group-critical-of-monarchy-322913">Also read:&nbsp;Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy</a>

He said he was encouraged by Facebook’s compliance with a deadline to act on court orders, which were attached to government request to block content locally. He warned Facebook’s Thailand office of possible cybercrime charges if the orders were not observed.

“This time Facebook complied in blocking everything we flagged, which is why I don’t think Facebook will pursue legal action,” Puttipong said.

“We’re not bullies. We use Thai laws to protect Thai cyber sovereignty.”

Facebook caving to Thai government pressure set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression online, said Rasha Abdul-Rahim of rights group Amnesty International.

“It’s welcome that Facebook is now planning legal action to challenge the government’s censorship demands, but the harm has already been done,” she said.

“The company should not have given in to the demands in the first place.”

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy.

Thailand’s digital minister vowed no relent on Wednesday in a crackdown on social media content deemed illegal and said it was unlikely Facebook would follow through on plans to challenge an order to block access to a group critical of the Thai monarchy. The “Royalist Marketplace” group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country’s Computer Crime Act. Facebook (FB.O) said it was compelled to comply and would mount a legal challenge in court. Also read: After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members The tension comes amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former junta chief, during which some demonstrators have made unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand. Meanwhile, a new group with a similar name created by Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, has amassed over 700,000 members in just two days. “If they start a new group or do anything illegal again, we’ll need to act again. We’ll keep doing this no matter how many times it takes,” digital minister Puttipong Punnakanta said. Also read: Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy He said he was encouraged by Facebook’s compliance with a deadline to act on court orders, which were attached to government request to block content locally. He warned Facebook’s Thailand office of possible cybercrime charges if the orders were not observed. “This time Facebook complied in blocking everything we flagged, which is why I don’t think Facebook will pursue legal action,” Puttipong said. “We’re not bullies. We use Thai laws to protect Thai cyber sovereignty.” Facebook caving to Thai government pressure set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression online, said Rasha Abdul-Rahim of rights group Amnesty International. “It’s welcome that Facebook is now planning legal action to challenge the government’s censorship demands, but the harm has already been done,” she said. “The company should not have given in to the demands in the first place.”

Thai minister says clampdown won't stop as Facebook plans to fight order

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-king-opens-first-parliament-since-2014-coup-221290">Thailand's new parliament </a>convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc.

Prayut, who seized power in 2014, is all but assured of completing his transformation from junta head to civilian leader with the support of 250 hand-picked senators.

The only competition is anti-junta coalition candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who faces an uphill battle numerically and has been besieged by court cases after his Future Forward party scooped up millions of votes in a March poll.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-vajiralongkorn-formally-crowned-rama-x-of-thailand-215813">King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness'</a>

Thailand remains bitterly divided after 13 years defined by coups, violent street protests and short-lived civilian governments.

At root is a rivalry between an arch-royalist conservative establishment -- buttressed by the courts and the army -- and pro-democracy parties supported by many of the lower and middle class.

MPs in black suits filed into their seats for the opening after several gave speeches outside.

In a sign of the acrimonious debate to come, former prime minister and ex-Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva resigned before taking his seat to protest his party's decision on the eve of the session to support the junta chief.

"I cannot walk in and vote to support Prayut", he said.

Parliament is deciding on a premier more than two months after Thailand held its first election since the last coup, a poll marred by allegations of inaccurate counting and vote-buying.

Allies of Prayut say he is a stabilising figure who can steer Thailand away from its perennial political crises.

"Prayut has the qualities, has the capability, the leadership to do the job," Uttama Savanayana, the leader of junta proxy party Palang Pracharat, told AFP a day before the vote.

But his critics say the famously gruff ex-army chief represents a narrow elite and lacks the vision or temperament to govern as a civilian leader.

Unexpected third force

The election was cast as a choice between junta-backed rule and parties aligned with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose administration was toppled in 2014.

But an unexpected third force emerged led by billionaire auto-parts scion Thanathorn.

His Future Forward won more than six million votes and 81 seats to become Thailand's third largest party.

The social media savvy 40-year-old is now heading a coalition with the Shinawatra's main party -- Pheu Thai -- and five others.

Analysts say Thanathorn represents the greatest challenge to the junta and its establishment allies, with his articulate calls to bridge the kingdom's chasmic social inequality and end the military's influence over politics.

But Thanathorn is weighed down by legal problems that could see him banned from politics or jailed.&nbsp;

Those led to his suspension from parliament and a dramatic walk-out from its early sessions.

He has said the complaints are politically motivated and that the suspension had nothing to do with qualifying as a candidate for prime minister.

"The most important thing is to return Thailand to democracy," he told reporters on the eve of the vote, calling on mid-sized parties to back him. "And to stop Prayut to come back as prime minister."

Assuming the Thai senate votes with the junta, Thanathorn would need a gargantuan 376 votes from the lower house to emerge as premier.

Prayut, who did not attend, only needs 126.

The late pledge of support from the Democrat Party -- the oldest in Thailand -- should smooth his path to office.

But analysts say troubles lie ahead for a military man unused to debate and consensus-building.

"Politicians will try to make scenes... to expose Prayut," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist as Ubon Ratchathani University.

Thailand's new parliament convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc.

Thailand's new parliament convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc. Prayut, who seized power in 2014, is all but assured of completing his transformation from junta head to civilian leader with the support of 250 hand-picked senators. The only competition is anti-junta coalition candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who faces an uphill battle numerically and has been besieged by court cases after his Future Forward party scooped up millions of votes in a March poll. Also read: King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness' Thailand remains bitterly divided after 13 years defined by coups, violent street protests and short-lived civilian governments. At root is a rivalry between an arch-royalist conservative establishment -- buttressed by the courts and the army -- and pro-democracy parties supported by many of the lower and middle class. MPs in black suits filed into their seats for the opening after several gave speeches outside. In a sign of the acrimonious debate to come, former prime minister and ex-Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva resigned before taking his seat to protest his party's decision on the eve of the session to support the junta chief. "I cannot walk in and vote to support Prayut", he said. Parliament is deciding on a premier more than two months after Thailand held its first election since the last coup, a poll marred by allegations of inaccurate counting and vote-buying. Allies of Prayut say he is a stabilising figure who can steer Thailand away from its perennial political crises. "Prayut has the qualities, has the capability, the leadership to do the job," Uttama Savanayana, the leader of junta proxy party Palang Pracharat, told AFP a day before the vote. But his critics say the famously gruff ex-army chief represents a narrow elite and lacks the vision or temperament to govern as a civilian leader. Unexpected third force The election was cast as a choice between junta-backed rule and parties aligned with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose administration was toppled in 2014. But an unexpected third force emerged led by billionaire auto-parts scion Thanathorn. His Future Forward won more than six million votes and 81 seats to become Thailand's third largest party. The social media savvy 40-year-old is now heading a coalition with the Shinawatra's main party -- Pheu Thai -- and five others. Analysts say Thanathorn represents the greatest challenge to the junta and its establishment allies, with his articulate calls to bridge the kingdom's chasmic social inequality and end the military's influence over politics. But Thanathorn is weighed down by legal problems that could see him banned from politics or jailed. Those led to his suspension from parliament and a dramatic walk-out from its early sessions. He has said the complaints are politically motivated and that the suspension had nothing to do with qualifying as a candidate for prime minister. "The most important thing is to return Thailand to democracy," he told reporters on the eve of the vote, calling on mid-sized parties to back him. "And to stop Prayut to come back as prime minister." Assuming the Thai senate votes with the junta, Thanathorn would need a gargantuan 376 votes from the lower house to emerge as premier. Prayut, who did not attend, only needs 126. The late pledge of support from the Democrat Party -- the oldest in Thailand -- should smooth his path to office. But analysts say troubles lie ahead for a military man unused to debate and consensus-building. "Politicians will try to make scenes... to expose Prayut," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist as Ubon Ratchathani University.

Thai parliament to vote for PM with junta chief in prime position

Thailand&nbsp;will hold a much-delayed general election on February&nbsp;24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

The junta imposed a strict ban on political activity after it took power in 2014, citing the need to impose order after months of street protests against the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

"The Election Commission has set February 24, 2019, as election day," Deputy Election Commissioner Secretary-General Nat Laosisawakul told reporters.

"On the lifting of the political ban, this will depend on the government," Nat said.

The election, which many hope will restore democracy in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, will likely pit the populist political movement backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by many in rural areas against the military and royalist establishment.

The Bangkok-based establishment seized power in successive coups in 2006 and 2014 and now has its own proxy political parties.

The military government has repeatedly pushed back the general election but said last week the ban on political activities would likely be lifted later this month and that political parties would be able to start campaigning in early January.

Thailand will hold a much-delayed general election on February 24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

Thailand will hold a much-delayed general election on February 24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday. The junta imposed a strict ban on political activity after it took power in 2014, citing the need to impose order after months of street protests against the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. "The Election Commission has set February 24, 2019, as election day," Deputy Election Commissioner Secretary-General Nat Laosisawakul told reporters. "On the lifting of the political ban, this will depend on the government," Nat said. The election, which many hope will restore democracy in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, will likely pit the populist political movement backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by many in rural areas against the military and royalist establishment. The Bangkok-based establishment seized power in successive coups in 2006 and 2014 and now has its own proxy political parties. The military government has repeatedly pushed back the general election but said last week the ban on political activities would likely be lifted later this month and that political parties would be able to start campaigning in early January.

Thailand to hold general election on February 24: Election Commission

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions.&nbsp;

Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community?

Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen.

WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses?

Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions.

WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions?

Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September.

WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant?

Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice.&nbsp;

WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe?

Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is.

I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated.&nbsp;

Watch the full interview below:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hqhPmIu3gtc" width="560"></iframe>

Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, spoke to WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi

The Rohingya crisis has put Bangladesh in the most difficult of positions. The international community has extended solidarity to Bangladesh but beyond that, there has been little financial assistance with when it comes rehabilitating the very large population - 1,000,000 - of Rohingya currently taking refuge in Bangladesh. Nor has Myanmar been held accountable for its actions. Until the apartheid in Myanmar is dismantled and the country's government held accountable for the atrocities that have been committed, repatriation of the Rohingya will not be sustainable. WION's Bangladesh bureau chief Saad Hammadi speaks to Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. WION: Dr Rizvi, thank you for speaking to WION. I would first like to ask you how you feel about the response from the international community? Gowher Rizvi: At one level the response of the international community has been most heartening. In a sense there is hardly a country in the world which has not condemned Myanmar and has not supported and appreciated the gesture of Bangladesh in taking in about a million Myanmar refugees into the country. To that extent we are really pleased. However, just verbal support is not enough. We know that Myanmar is stubborn. It has no intention of moving away from its position. The only way to be moved is when pressure is brought on. Myanmar is playing a very skilful game. Whenever there is some discussion in the United Nations, whenever there is a possibility that this will be raised in some international forum, some movement takes place but the real test is the repatriation of the refugees back to Myanmar. No progress has been made there. Unfortunately, the international community has not taken sterner measures without which nothing seems to happen. WION: With regard to the geopolitics in this area, Bangladesh's closest allies are India and China. How do you feel about their responses? Gowher Rizvi: We have been in conversation both with China and India. We are really satisfied and happy with their responses. One thing which is very important to realise is that every country has multiple interests, multiple priorities. For India or China, Rohingya issue or Bangladesh or Myanmar cannot be the only issue. They have to balance many of their other interests. Secondly, we know we have excellent relationship with India and with China. We do not want to put India or China in a position where we say you are with us or against us. That is not how diplomacy is played out. They have offered their help, they are using their influence, they are bringing subtle pressures and we are working hand in hand. I believe both of them are working in the right direction, although as I said, we are now reaching a point where we have to perhaps move beyond closed room diplomacy to some real hard international actions. WION: You have referred to more pressure being exerted on Myanmar to create the conditions for the repatriation to take place. What do you feel should be the immediate actions? Gowher Rizvi: For first, Myanmar must accept international observers, must accept international humanitarian organisations, the UN agency, International Committee for Red Cross, International Organisation for Migration, who will be there on the ground to monitor the situation, to make sure that the environment is safe and free for the Rohingyas to return. Unless that happens, no refugee will willingly go back to face the same brutality, massacre, genocide that they escaped from in August and September. WION: Very recently, you have also mentioned sanctions. Will you tell us more about what you meant? Gowher Rizvi: It is very obvious. We know that there was a sanction against Myanmar to bring its hardline military rulers to behave and those sanctions were lifted as a response to the state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the hope that there would be democracy, there would be opening of the Myanmar society and Myanmar would behave as a responsible member of the international community. Sadly, Myanmar took all the concessions but has not moved. The military still controls, the elected leaders wield very little power. In these circumstances our expectation that the removal of sanctions will enable democracy to flourish has not happened and as a matter of fact it has encouraged the military to launch this campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, the worst of its kind that we can remember. It is now time for countries to reconsider posing economic sanctions, military sanctions, travel restrictions, stopping foreign investment, denying access of market to Myanmar products. When these things happen, the military in Myanmar will come to senses. Until then I fear these will be all empty talks. Myanmar knows that after a while the global attention will shift somewhere else. Please remember, this is a very well designed, carefully planned genocide to push an entire ethnic group out of the country and we need to be very careful and remember that. I also believe we need to document all the egregious human rights violations that are taking place, the genocide that has taken place. At some point, I hope these human rights organisations, Human Rights Watch and so forth, will take these to the International Criminal Court of Justice. WION: Clearly that would be the real test of humanity for the international community. While the Rohingya community have moved here to Bangladesh, in the southern Cox's Bazar, the monsoon is also approaching. A landslide could take place, how challenging will it be to avoid a catastrophe? Gowher Rizvi: As you can see, Bangladesh is a very small country, extremely congested, by far the most densely populated country in the world. Despite that we have taken in a million people and opened up whatever we have, whatever little land that was available. We have housed them, we are feeding them, we are providing healthcare and we are providing security. Bangladesh is doing and will continue to do everything within its power. There is indeed the danger of mudslide because the terrain is such that there is going to be a mudslide. That is why we are also trying to make an alternative arrangement in a neighbouring island so that those who are most vulnerable can be safely evacuated there and in conditions which are habitable, which are up to the standards, meets the necessities of the refugees. We are doing everything we can. I think the international community, rather than focusing on Bangladesh and what more can Bangladesh do, should be looking into Myanmar. Bangladesh did not create this problem. The problem was created by Myanmar. The solution lies in Myanmar. Therefore, we should be looking there. As far as our prime minister is concerned, she has really done a very humane thing, a courageous thing to take them in. She has promised that she wants them to voluntarily go back. We are not pushing them. We have upheld the highest level of international and humanitarian law. And we will continue to do. I do believe the focus needs to be on Myanmar where the problem is. I think we have to also be aware of the larger issues. What we are seeing today is a dictatorial, tyrannical regime ousting an entire ethnic community from the soils of Myanmar and if the global community accepts this, then I fear there will be upheaval in many corners. There are minorities in every country. Minorities in every country will come under threat. We need to be very mindful of that and we should not allow any country to get away with it. There is another thing that we need to be thinking about. This camp of a million people is a potential for recruitment of extremists. We are protecting it, we are making sure no such thing happens. But over years, as we have seen in other camps, this becomes a breeding ground for terrorists. If that happens, our entire region, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, none of us will be safe. The stakes are really high and we must move as fast as possible to make sure the root cause is eliminated. Watch the full interview below:

Rohingya crisis: Impose sanctions, cut off investment, then Myanmar Army will come to its senses, says adviser to Bangladesh PM 

US President Barack Obama on Friday eased sanctions on Myanmar by terminating an emergency order that deemed the policies of the southeast Asian country&rsquo;s former military government a threat to US national security.

&quot;I have determined that the situation that gave rise to the national emergency...has been significantly altered by Burma&rsquo;s (Myanmar&rsquo;s) substantial advances to promote democracy, including historic elections in November 2015,&quot; Obama said in a letter to congressional leaders announcing the decision, Reuters reported.

Under Obama&rsquo;s new executive order preferential tariffs for Myanmar, which were suspended more than two decades ago amid human rights abuses by the Junta, will be reinstated.

Obama had met the country&#39;s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in September and had stated at the time that revoking sanctions would be &quot;the right thing to do to ensure that the people of Burma (Myanmar) see rewards for a new way of doing business.&quot;

The move aims at getting the rapidly transforming country out of decades of economic isolation.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Under Obama?s new executive order preferential tariffs for Myanmar will be reinstated

US President Barack Obama on Friday eased sanctions on Myanmar by terminating an emergency order that deemed the policies of the southeast Asian country’s former military government a threat to US national security. "I have determined that the situation that gave rise to the national emergency...has been significantly altered by Burma’s (Myanmar’s) substantial advances to promote democracy, including historic elections in November 2015," Obama said in a letter to congressional leaders announcing the decision, Reuters reported. Under Obama’s new executive order preferential tariffs for Myanmar, which were suspended more than two decades ago amid human rights abuses by the Junta, will be reinstated. Obama had met the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in September and had stated at the time that revoking sanctions would be "the right thing to do to ensure that the people of Burma (Myanmar) see rewards for a new way of doing business." The move aims at getting the rapidly transforming country out of decades of economic isolation. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Obama eases sanctions on Myanmar

In a rare ruling, seven soldiers in Myanmar have been jailed for killing villagers during an interrogation, the military said,&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Seven Myanmar army soldiers are sentenced to five years for killing local people in Mong Yaw village in Lashio township, Shan State,&quot; an official statement on Facebook read.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;They all have to be sentenced to five years with hard labour in&nbsp;countryside&nbsp;prison,&quot; the statement mentioned. 
 
The bodies of the villagers were reportedly found in graves days after they were detained by soldiers following an altercation with ethnic rebels in the Shan state. 
 
Ever since her party took over in March, democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi has prioritised&nbsp;ending warfare, but the military that still has control over key government bodies will be a crucial player in bringing peace to the borderlands.&nbsp; 
 
US President Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday&nbsp;to lift sanctions, which were imposed when the former military junta was in power, following Suu Kyi&#39;s visit to the White House.&nbsp; 
 
Activists have, however, condemned the&nbsp;move, saying it removes a key lever for applying pressure on the army. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

The army, which has long operated with?impunity,?has made a rare admission of misconduct among its troops

In a rare ruling, seven soldiers in Myanmar have been jailed for killing villagers during an interrogation, the military said, "Seven Myanmar army soldiers are sentenced to five years for killing local people in Mong Yaw village in Lashio township, Shan State," an official statement on Facebook read. "They all have to be sentenced to five years with hard labour in countryside prison," the statement mentioned. The bodies of the villagers were reportedly found in graves days after they were detained by soldiers following an altercation with ethnic rebels in the Shan state. Ever since her party took over in March, democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi has prioritised ending warfare, but the military that still has control over key government bodies will be a crucial player in bringing peace to the borderlands. US President Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday to lift sanctions, which were imposed when the former military junta was in power, following Suu Kyi's visit to the White House. Activists have, however, condemned the move, saying it removes a key lever for applying pressure on the army. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Seven Myanmar soldiers jailed for killing villagers

Thailand will vote on a junta-crafted constitution today in a referendum where independent campaigning and open debate has been banned, as opponents warn the document will perpetuate military power. 
 
The referendum is the first time Thais have headed to the polls since the generals toppled a democratically-elected government in 2014. 
 
The kingdom has been beset by a decade of political turmoil, denting growth and taking the shine off a nation that was once hailed for its democratic progress. 
 
The military says their new constitution will curb endemic political corruption and bring stability after the dizzying merry-go-round of recent years. 
 
But critics say it aims to neuter civilian politicians and reinforce the royalist elite&#39;s hold over democracy. 
 
Jaturong Boonyarattanasoontorn, from the Union for Civil Liberty, described the referendum as a &quot;win-win&quot; for the military. 
 
&quot;If the draft constitution is accepted, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will use it to legitimise its influence over Thai politics,&quot; he said, using the official acronym for the junta. 
 
&quot;If it&#39;s rejected, the junta will have an excuse to continue its absolute rule.&quot; 
 
Thailand has long had a turbulent political scene. The military has successfully seized power 12 times since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and this constitution will be the kingdom&#39;s twentieth if passed. 
 
But the latest political crisis - dubbed the &quot;lost decade&quot; - is particularly acute. 
 
Since a 2006 coup, power has flipped between elected governments led by or linked to self-exiled billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and rule by an arch-royalist army and its establishment allies. 
 
In that time competing streets protests have shunted democracy aside and seen scores killed on Bangkok&#39;s streets. 
 
The turmoil has been compounded by the frail health of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as competing elites jostle ahead of any transition. 
 
&#39;Fuel political instability&#39;&nbsp; 
 
The most divisive clauses in the charter call for a junta-appointed senate to check elected lawmakers and increased powers for courts, which are already accused of political bias. 
 
Another clause makes it easy to begin impeachment proceedings. 
 
The charter &quot;creates undemocratic institutions, weakens the power of future elected governments, and is likely to fuel political instability,&quot; the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) concluded in a recent analysis. 
 
Debate has also been curtailed ahead of the vote, prompting international criticism from allies and the United Nations. 
 
At least 195 arrests have been made under a vaguely worded special law that effectively bans campaigning or criticism of the charter, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. 
 
As a result, interest in the poll appears thin. 
 
A low turnout is likely to favour the military because the charter only needs a simple majority of those who vote to pass, not a majority of the 50 million registered voters. 
 
But the two main political parties in Thailand - who rarely agree - have both come out against the charter, which could prompt a higher turnout. 
 
Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha has promised to hold elections in the summer of 2017, whether or not the charter is passed. But his previous election date promises have slipped. 
 
Preliminary results of the referendum are expected around 9:00 pm (1400 GMT) today, with final results to be confirmed three days later. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Opponents warn the document will perpetuate military power

Thailand will vote on a junta-crafted constitution today in a referendum where independent campaigning and open debate has been banned, as opponents warn the document will perpetuate military power. The referendum is the first time Thais have headed to the polls since the generals toppled a democratically-elected government in 2014. The kingdom has been beset by a decade of political turmoil, denting growth and taking the shine off a nation that was once hailed for its democratic progress. The military says their new constitution will curb endemic political corruption and bring stability after the dizzying merry-go-round of recent years. But critics say it aims to neuter civilian politicians and reinforce the royalist elite's hold over democracy. Jaturong Boonyarattanasoontorn, from the Union for Civil Liberty, described the referendum as a "win-win" for the military. "If the draft constitution is accepted, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will use it to legitimise its influence over Thai politics," he said, using the official acronym for the junta. "If it's rejected, the junta will have an excuse to continue its absolute rule." Thailand has long had a turbulent political scene. The military has successfully seized power 12 times since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and this constitution will be the kingdom's twentieth if passed. But the latest political crisis - dubbed the "lost decade" - is particularly acute. Since a 2006 coup, power has flipped between elected governments led by or linked to self-exiled billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and rule by an arch-royalist army and its establishment allies. In that time competing streets protests have shunted democracy aside and seen scores killed on Bangkok's streets. The turmoil has been compounded by the frail health of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as competing elites jostle ahead of any transition. 'Fuel political instability' The most divisive clauses in the charter call for a junta-appointed senate to check elected lawmakers and increased powers for courts, which are already accused of political bias. Another clause makes it easy to begin impeachment proceedings. The charter "creates undemocratic institutions, weakens the power of future elected governments, and is likely to fuel political instability," the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) concluded in a recent analysis. Debate has also been curtailed ahead of the vote, prompting international criticism from allies and the United Nations. At least 195 arrests have been made under a vaguely worded special law that effectively bans campaigning or criticism of the charter, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. As a result, interest in the poll appears thin. A low turnout is likely to favour the military because the charter only needs a simple majority of those who vote to pass, not a majority of the 50 million registered voters. But the two main political parties in Thailand - who rarely agree - have both come out against the charter, which could prompt a higher turnout. Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha has promised to hold elections in the summer of 2017, whether or not the charter is passed. But his previous election date promises have slipped. Preliminary results of the referendum are expected around 9:00 pm (1400 GMT) today, with final results to be confirmed three days later. (AFP)

Thais vote on junta-written constitution, will be country's 20th if passed

A Thai journalist and four activists were charged today under a draconian law banning criticism of the junta&#39;s new constitution which will be voted on in a referendum next month. 
 
Taweesak Kerdpoka, a reporter with the news outlet Prachatai, was arrested on Sunday morning along with four members of the New Democracy Movement, one of the few activist groups that dared to challenge the military since generals seized power two years ago. 
 
&quot;Their actions were violating the referendum bill article 61 clause 2,&quot; police colonel Amnuay Pongsawat, from Ban Pong district in central Ratchaburi province, said.&nbsp; 
 
He did not elaborate on how their actions had broken the law, but the men face up to ten years in prison if convicted. 
 
The clause outlaws critical discussion of the junta&#39;s new draft constitution, which if passed will become Thailand&#39;s 20th in less than a century. 
 
Prachatai editor Chiranuch Premchaiporn said Taweesak was travelling in the same car as the activists to report on their activities. 
 
Police stopped the car and found documents that they deemed were in breach the referendum law. 
 
&quot;He is a reporter that covers human and environmental rights,&quot; she said. &quot;He was just doing his job.&quot; 
 
Thais will vote on the the new charter on August 7, the first return to the ballot box since the 2014 coup. 
 
The junta says the document is the antidote to Thailand&#39;s caustic political divide.&nbsp; 
 
But politicians on both sides of the divide have dismissed it as an attempt to further entrench the military&#39;s hold on power through an appointed senate. 
 
Video posted online showed the five shackled men making their way to court today morning as supporters handed them roses. 
 
The activists could be heard shouting: &quot;Voting &#39;no&#39; is our right, it is not against the law&quot;. 
 
A message from Taweesak on his Facebook page read: &quot;Being arrested for referendum campaigning is bad, but what should we call being arrested for reporting on the referendum campaign?&quot; 
 
Prachatai has a history of investigative journalism that frequently riles Bangkok&#39;s ultra-nationalist establishment. 
 
Last year its editor Chiranuch lost an appeal against a conviction under the country&#39;s notorious royal defamation law for failing to speedily remove reader comments deemed critical of the monarchy. 
 
Since the military&#39;s takeover Thailand has undergone a major rights crackdown, with scores of activists jailed and skyrocketing lese majeste (offence against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state)&nbsp;convictions. 
 
The kingdom has been handicapped by more than a decade of political deadlock and violence including two military coups.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

Police stopped their car and found documents that they deemed were in breach of referendum law

A Thai journalist and four activists were charged today under a draconian law banning criticism of the junta's new constitution which will be voted on in a referendum next month. Taweesak Kerdpoka, a reporter with the news outlet Prachatai, was arrested on Sunday morning along with four members of the New Democracy Movement, one of the few activist groups that dared to challenge the military since generals seized power two years ago. "Their actions were violating the referendum bill article 61 clause 2," police colonel Amnuay Pongsawat, from Ban Pong district in central Ratchaburi province, said. He did not elaborate on how their actions had broken the law, but the men face up to ten years in prison if convicted. The clause outlaws critical discussion of the junta's new draft constitution, which if passed will become Thailand's 20th in less than a century. Prachatai editor Chiranuch Premchaiporn said Taweesak was travelling in the same car as the activists to report on their activities. Police stopped the car and found documents that they deemed were in breach the referendum law. "He is a reporter that covers human and environmental rights," she said. "He was just doing his job." Thais will vote on the the new charter on August 7, the first return to the ballot box since the 2014 coup. The junta says the document is the antidote to Thailand's caustic political divide. But politicians on both sides of the divide have dismissed it as an attempt to further entrench the military's hold on power through an appointed senate. Video posted online showed the five shackled men making their way to court today morning as supporters handed them roses. The activists could be heard shouting: "Voting 'no' is our right, it is not against the law". A message from Taweesak on his Facebook page read: "Being arrested for referendum campaigning is bad, but what should we call being arrested for reporting on the referendum campaign?" Prachatai has a history of investigative journalism that frequently riles Bangkok's ultra-nationalist establishment. Last year its editor Chiranuch lost an appeal against a conviction under the country's notorious royal defamation law for failing to speedily remove reader comments deemed critical of the monarchy. Since the military's takeover Thailand has undergone a major rights crackdown, with scores of activists jailed and skyrocketing lese majeste (offence against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state) convictions. The kingdom has been handicapped by more than a decade of political deadlock and violence including two military coups. (AFP)

Thai journalist, four activists charged under draconian charter law

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