The situation in Myanmar has worsened after the army used more and more repressive forces to kill protesters. Concerns have been raised about the outbreak of civil war after several armed rebel groups announced they would take up arms to join the protests to overthrow the regime. In the midst of this unrest, the US Embassy has ordered unimportant embassy staff and their families to leave Myanmar immediately.
On February 14, the US State Department issued a letter informing all non-essential Burmese government employees and their families to return to the United States on a voluntary basis. However, due to the escalating situation in recent days, the US State Department issued an order on Tuesday, March 30, for all non-essential personnel to leave Burma immediately.
The situation in Burma has worsened after the Burmese army opened fire on protesters, killing 520 people. Many ethnic rebel groups have threatened to join forces with the Burmese people to overthrow the regime, raising concerns about the outbreak of civil war. Last week, Burmese troops dropped bombs on the Karen ethnic village in eastern Burma. About 3,000 people tried to flee to Thailand to escape the bombing, but were pushed back by Thai border authorities.
On Tuesday, March 30, Japanese Foreign Minister told the Japanese parliament that the Japanese government would suspend aid to Burma. He believes this is a way to persuade the Burmese regime to stop killing protesters and return to negotiations to restore democracy. According to Japanese media, the decision only applies to new aid projects, not to the ongoing aid projects in Burma.
On Wednesday, March 31, the 15 countries of the UN Security Council will meet urgently at the request of Britain to find a solution to the Burma issue. Tom Andrews, The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burma, said on Twitter that it was “necessary” to find a way to shut down the Burmese regime’s financial resources and to prosecute the Burmese military leaders before the International Criminal Court.
However, there is no hope that the Security Council will be able to speak with one way, as China and Russia have refused to condemn or impose sanctions on the Burmese army. Instead, China and Russia have said they intend to strengthen cooperation with the Burmese regime.
