Dear President,
Dear High Representative,
The ETUC totally condemns the bloody repression by the Myanmar military which has trampled over democracy and the legitimate protests of the people of Myanmar and killed over 100 people including children in the deadliest day since the illegal coup two months ago. In addition to gun and grenade attacks on people in several cities, airstrikes against its own people have caused many citizens to flee the country for Thailand.
That such a massacre takes place on Armed Forces Day underlines the total lack of legitimacy of the Myanmar military. Called to mark resistance against Japanese aggression it now reveals to the world military rulers turning against its own people and unable to run the country peacefully. As if to highlight the total disregard for the lives of the people of Myanmar, murder of its people was reportedly followed by a lavish dinner party by military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.
But words of condemnation, including by yourself and President Biden, are not enough in the face of cold-blooded murder by military rulers not accepted by their own people. We join you in condemning the regime, and we call for firm and appropriate action by the European Union including
- sanctions against the illegal and illegitimate regime in Myanmar
- sanctions against EU companies continue to do business with the military junta
- efforts to strengthen action by the international community against the Generals and the military (and its many economic activities)
I thank you very much and am looking forward to your feedback,
Yours sincerely
Luca Visentini, ETUC General Secretary