EU Expands Myanmar Military Sanctions  04/20 06:11

   

   BANGKOK (AP) -- The European Union expanded its sanctions against Myanmar's 
military leaders and army-controlled companies ahead of a regional meeting to 
discuss the worsening crisis after army leaders deposed the elected government.

   The Council of the European Union's latest sanctions target 10 individuals 
and two military-controlled companies already subject to sanctions by the U.S., 
Britain and other governments.

   It is unclear if such moves are having any impact as the military escalates 
its efforts to crush opposition to its seizure of power. Myanmar's economy is 
already in crisis, worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and by the mass civil 
disobedience movement that arose following the Feb. 1 coup.

   The EU said the number of individuals sanctioned was expanded to 35 people 
it said were responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law, for 
repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

   The two military-controlled companies, Myanma Economic Holdings Public 
Company Ltd. (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corp. (MEC), have vast holdings in 
many industries and help to fund the military.

   All are subject to having their assets frozen, travel banned and other 
measures. EU citizens and businesses are banned from doing business or 
providing funds to them without special permission.

   "Today's decision is a sign of the EU's unity and determination in 
condemning the brutal actions of the military junta, and aims at effecting 
change in the junta's leadership," the EU said in a statement.

   "Today's decision also sends a clear message to the military leadership: 
continuing on the current path will only bring further suffering and will never 
grant any legitimacy," it said.

   Since the coup, security forces have killed at least 738 protesters and 
bystanders, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 
which monitors casualties and arrests. It says more than 3,200 people are still 
detained, among the nation's deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and 
President Win Myint.

   The EU already had an embargo on sales to Myanmar of arms and equipment that 
can be used for internal repression; an export ban on dual-use goods for use by 
the military and border guard police; export restrictions on equipment for 
monitoring communications that could be used for internal repression, and a 
prohibition on military training for and military cooperation with the army.

   Last week, the U.S. S&P 500 said it was removing India's Adani Ports and 
Special Economic Zone Ltd. from its sustainability index due to its alleged 
dealings with Myanmar authorities. Adani did not respond to a request for 
comment on that move.

   Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday exhorted the U.N. 
Security Council to act immediately to halt the violence and protect civilians. 
So far, the council has not taken such action, which would likely be blocked by 
China and Russia.

   The Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- which is holding a summit on 
Myanmar this month -- maintains a policy of "non-interference'' in each others' 
political matters and has rejected the idea of imposing sanctions against the 
junta.

   Ban urged ASEAN to send a high-level delegation to Myanmar. He said he had 
tried unsuccessfully to make a diplomatic visit himself.