EU wants Myanmar’s reply before going for tougher actions

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday said it wants to see Myanmar's reply before taking any toughest measures like imposing economic embargo or other restrictive measures against the country.

EU Ambassador in Dhaka Rensje Teerink said this while interacting with diplomatic correspondents at ‘DCAB talk’ in a city hotel. 

She, however, said the EU does not see any goodwill from Myanmar to come forward. 

The European Union (EU) and its member states earlier decided to suspend invitations to the Commander-in-chief of the Myanmar armed forces and other senior military officers and review all practical defence cooperation. 

The EU confirmed the relevance of the current EU restrictive measures which consist of an embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression. 

The decision was conveyed on Monday in the wake of the disproportionate use of force carried out by security forces. 

The European Council may consider “additional measures” if the situation does not improve, but also stands ready to respond accordingly to positive developments.

The EU will continue to address these vital issues and all the challenges linked to the process of democratic transition in the framework of its continuing engagement with the government of Myanmar and in all relevant international fora, notably the UN. 

The EU also intends to seize the opportunity of the forthcoming ASEM Foreign Ministerial Meeting to be held in Nay Pyi Taw on November 20-21 to engage, in the margins thereof, in a constructive dialogue with the government and will also continue to liaise with all Asian partners in this regard. 

Source: unb