Myanmar: EU, UK impose new sanctions on junta officials

KOMPAS.com - The EU implemented new sanctions on top officials in Myanmar's ruling military junta Monday over human rights abuses.

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— EU Council Press (@EUCouncilPress) June 21, 2021

The 27-member bloc imposed travel bans and asset freezes on eight officials and also targeted four "economic entities" tied to the Myanmar military.

What did the EU say about the sanctions?

The EU criticized the officials for "undermining democracy and the rule of law, and for serious human rights violations."

The sanctions on military-controlled companies are intended to hurt the junta financially.

"By targeting the gems and timber sectors, these measures are aimed at restricting the junta's ability to profit from Myanmar's natural resources, while being crafted so as to avoid undue harm to the people of Myanmar," the EU said in a statement.

Today, the UK and EU have announced new sanctions against the #Myanmar military and its economic interests.

We will continue to target revenue streams that benefit the junta and finance its brutal actions. ????????????????https://t.co/fhJ0IBS6Ef

— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 21, 2021

The UK also added three Myanmar economic entities to its sanctions list on Monday, including a state-owned pearl firm and a timber company.

Myanmar's military boosts ties with Moscow

The sanctions come as the junta turns to Russia for support.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian National Security Council chief Nikolai Petrushev on Monday ahead of an international security conference in Moscow this week.