The European Union has expanded sanctions imposed on Myanmar with a fourth round of sanctions “in view of the continuing grave situation and of intensifying human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma, following the military coup in the country on 1 February 2021.”
The new listings target 22 persons and 4 entities, including government ministers, a member of the State Administrative Council and members of the Union Election Commission, as well as high-ranking members of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw).
Tatmadaw’s top leadership targeted
As regards the sanctioned entities, these are either state-owned companies providing substantive resources to the Tatmadaw, or private companies closely connected to the Tatmadaw’s top leadership. These companies are Htoo Group, IGE (International Group of Enterpreneurs), Mining Enterprise 1 (ME 1) and Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
“EU Sanctions on Junta’s Oil and Gas Send Strong Message” commented Burma Human Rights Network in a Press Release adding:
Burma Human Rights Network is delighted by the newest round of sanctions by the European Union against Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). The company has been a lifeline to the junta, providing them with cash flow while they mobilise to enforce their illegitimate rule over the country.
Burma Human Rights Network
65 individuals and 10 entities,
Restrictive measures now apply to a total of 65 individuals and 10 entities, and include an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. In addition, a travel ban applicable to the listed persons prevents these from entering or transiting through EU territory.
In previous sanctions rounds against Burma by the EU, MOGE was left untouched. The new round of sanctions is a new step by the international community against the Burmese military.
Existing EU restrictive measures also remain in place
These comprise an embargo on 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 Tatmadaw.
The European Union is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications. Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated.
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Bangkok Correspondent for Siam News Network. Editor at Thailand Business News
