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Myanmar Coup

Myanmar coup latest: UN Security Council stops short of issuing statement

US declares military takeover a coup; Some flights to resume Thursday

A Myanmar soldier sits inside a vehicle in front of a Hindu temple in the downtown area of Yangon.   © Reuters

YANGON/TOKYO -- Myanmar's military has detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in what appears to be the country's first military coup since 1988 and the possible end to a decade of civilian rule.

The Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy, which came to power in 2015, won another landslide victory in the general election last November. The civilian government was moving into its second term, but the military has claimed the election was marred by fraud and demanded an investigation.

Follow the latest developments here (Yangon time):

Wednesday, Feb. 3

3:00 a.m. The United Nations Security Council holds a teleconference to discuss the Myanmar coup but stops short of issuing a statement condemning the military's actions. Talks among Security Council members are said to continue.

1:27 a.m. Facebook has blocked a page linked to the Myanmar military's Myawaddy television network.

12:46 a.m. The U.S. has determined that the military's seizure of power in Myanmar amounts to a coup, the State Department says, taking a step that will lead to restrictions on American aid to the Southeast Asian nation's government.

"After a review of all the facts, we have assessed that the Burmese military's actions on Feb.1, having deposed the duly elected head of government, constituted a military coup d'etat," a State Department official says in a teleconference.

A senior State Department official adds: "This assessment triggers certain restrictions in foreign assistance to the government of Burma, as it should, and in addition, we will undertake a broader review of our assistance programs to ensure they align with recent events."

U.S. President Joe Biden has already warned the military leadership faces new actions for its takeover and detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian political figures.

Tuesday, Feb. 2

11:55 p.m. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Senate majority leader, calls for "even more sanctions" on Myanmar's military in response to its seizure of power.

"I hope and expect the United States will quickly make the obvious legal determination that this is a military coup and impose significant costs on the military for its attack on democracy," McConnell says in Congress.

Congress has already given the White House authority to ratchet up sanctions as needed, according to McConnell, who voiced confidence in the stance shown by President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"The new administration deserves credit for approaching this situation in a way that is bipartisan and coordinated with Congress."

10:30 p.m. Here is a recap of some of the international business developments in Myanmar on Tuesday as businesses confronted the dramatic political events.

  • Amata, Thailand's largest industrial estate developer, has suspended work on a $1 billion project.
  • Suzuki Motor, the largest automaker in the country by new car sales, halted operations at its two plants all day following half-day suspensions on Monday.
  • Denso, a leading Japanese auto parts supplier affiliated with, has also halted production in Myanmar.
  • Diaper maker Unicharm has done the same.

10:00 p.m. Another video of pots and pans being struck in unison in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital.

twitter:https://twitter.com/hninyadanazaw/status/1356598091260940289

9:40 p.m. Myanmar National Airlines will resume domestic and international flights on Thursday, but only for "relief flights," the carrier says in a Facebook post.

The announcement appears to apply to repatriation flights.

9:00 p.m. The streets of Yangon echo with the sound of banging pots and pans as residents strike up a protests against the coup.

5:45 p.m. Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi is under house arrest in the capital Naypyitaw, Nikkei has learned, after the military seized control in a coup on Monday. A member of the lower house from the National League for Democracy told Nikkei on the phone that Suu Kyi was "detained by the military and then moved to her home," adding that President Win Myint is also under house arrest.

Myanmar has closed Yangon's international airport, the country's main gateway.    © Getty Images

5:30 p.m. Myanmar has closed its international airport in Yangon, its main gateway, Reuters reports, citing the airport's manager. Yangon airport manager Phone Myint told the news agency that the airport had closed until May but gave no exact date.

4:20 p.m. Thailand's largest industrial estate developer has suspended work on a $1 billion project in Myanmar due to fears that the military coup and possible international sanctions will drive investors away from the country.

"We and our clients are concerned about a possible trade boycott by Western countries," Amata Chief Marketing Officer Viboon Kromadit told reporters on Tuesday. "It's very likely to happen, particularly from the U.S. and the EU. And if that happens, new investment in Myanmar will definitely be badly affected."

3:50 p.m. Telenor's network in Myanmar is up and running and the telecoms operator's customers are getting service, Chief Executive Sigve Brekke says at an earnings presentation. Phone and internet connections in Naypyitaw and the main commercial center Yangon were disrupted on Monday.

2:25 p.m. The Yangon Youth Network activist group, one of Myanmar's biggest, says it has launched a civil disobedience campaign after the army seized power and detained Aung San Suu Kyi. It is one of the first signs of targeted action to oppose the coup.

"Yangon Youth Network... declared and urged civil disobedience as an immediate response," a representative said on Twitter, noting that doctors at a hospital in Mandalay had also begun such a campaign.

12:03 p.m. The executive committee of Myanmar's National League for Democracy party calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint along with others detained "as soon as possible," in a statement posted on Facebook. The statement, posted on a verified Facebook page of party official May Win Myint, also called for an acknowledgment of the results of last year's election won by the NLD and for the parliament session due to start this week to be held, according to Reuters.

Activists affiliated with the Civil Society in Kathmandu protest the military coup in Myanmar.    © Reuters

9:24 a.m. The World bank says it is gravely concerned about the situation in Myanmar, warning the events risked a major setback to the country's development. "We are concerned about the safety and security of people in Myanmar, including our staff and partners, and are troubled by the shutdown of communications channels both within Myanmar and with the outside world," the bank said in a statement.

6:32 a.m. The U.N. Security Council plans to discuss the situation in Myanmar in a closed meeting on Tuesday, according to media reports. The U.N. called for the release of all those detained, a spokesperson says.

3:20 a.m. The Biden administration is briefing the U.S. Congress on the situation in Myanmar, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says.

3:00 a.m. "How the U.S. responds to the situation in Myanmar and, equally important, how ASEAN responds, could set the future trajectory of the relationship in ways that may be difficult to change," writes Bilahari Kausikan, former permanent secretary of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in commentary for Nikkei Asia. "This has implications that extend far beyond Southeast Asia."

Myanmar protesters rally against the country's military after it seized power from a democratically elected civilian government and arrested its leader Aung San Suu Kyi, shown in the portrait, at United Nations University in Tokyo on Feb. 1.    © Reuters

2:45 a.m. This video appears to capture, albeit inadvertently, a convoy of trucks rushing through Myanmar's capital on the day the military seized power.

1:20 a.m. Myanmar's ambassador to the U.K. is summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and told London condemns "the military coup and unlawful imprisonment of civilians, including Aung San Suu Kyi," according to a spokesperson.

In a meeting with Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn, Minister for Asia Nigel Adams "requested assurances of the safety of all those detained and called for their immediate release," the spokesperson says.

Adams "also said that the U.K. would work with like-minded partners and pursue all necessary diplomatic levers to ensure a peaceful return to democracy."

The minister's comments echo those of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who says: "The vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released."

12:10 a.m. U.S. President Joe Biden calls the military's seizure of power in Myanmar "a direct assault on the country's transition to democracy and the rule of law," adding that relevant American sanctions laws will undergo an "immediate review."

"The international community should come together in one voice to press the Burmese military to immediately relinquish the power they have seized, release the activists and officials they have detained, lift all telecommunications restrictions, and refrain from violence against civilians," Biden says in a statement.

Biden says the U.S. "is taking note of those who stand with the people of Burma in this difficult hour" and "will work with our partners throughout the region and the world to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law."

"The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy. The reversal of that progress will necessitate an immediate review of our sanction laws and authorities, followed by appropriate action," according to the statement.

In a separate statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoes Biden's call for the release of detainees and says "the United States stands with the people of Burma in their aspirations for democracy, freedom, peace, and development."

Monday, Feb. 1

11:35 p.m. As midnight approaches, a look back on some scenes from Myanmar and neighboring countries on the day of an apparent coup.

A man rides his motorcycle during sunset in Naypyitaw on Feb. 1.   © AP
Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy shout slogans in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok on Feb. 1.   © Reuters
Protesters at United Nations University in Tokyo rally against Myanmar's military after it seized power from a democratically elected civilian government and arrested its leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1.   © Reuters
People line up outside a bank branch in Yangon on Feb. 1.   © Reuters
A military checkpoint is seen on the way to the congress compound in Myanmar's capital Naypyitaw on Feb. 1.   © Reuters
In this photo released by The Military True News Information Team, Myanmar Acting President Myint Swe, center, military chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, standing at left, and other military members of National Defense and Security Council attend a meeting at Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar on Feb. 1.   © AP

10:15 p.m. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has met Suu Kyi in person and shown support for Myanmar's democracy over the years, urges Washington to take action on the situation in the Southeast Asian nation.

"Reports that Burma's military has rounded up civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and key civil society figures are horrifying, completely unacceptable and obviously a saddening step backwards for Burma's slow and unsteady democratic transition," the Republican says in a statement.

"The Biden administration must take a strong stand, and our partners and all democracies around the world should follow suit in condemning this authoritarian assault on democracy," says McConnell, the former U.S. Senate majority leader.

Aung San Suu Kyi stands on stage with U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell  after she spoke at the McConnell Center on the campus of the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, in September 2012.   © Reuters

9:57 p.m. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations high commissioner on human rights, expresses concern over the situation in Myanmar and calls on the military leadership to "respect the outcome of the elections."

"I am alarmed by reports suggesting that at least 45 people have been detained -- including elected parliamentarians under confinement -- and I call for their immediate release," Bachelet says in a statement. "There are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked, and restrictions on the Internet and social media -- which will restrict access to information and freedom of expression at this critical and frightening time for the people of Myanmar."

8:00 p.m. Foreign companies that have invested in Myanmar, hoping that the end of military rule would open business opportunities in one of Asia's most promising markets, now face a shock to their plans.

Read more about the early reaction by companies including Grab and Toyota Motor.

Myanmar's military-owned television channel says commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken over the country.   © Reuters

5:45 p.m. Army trucks and armored personnel carriers appear on the streets of Naypyitaw along with polices trucks in Yangon.

5:00 p.m. Developments in Myanmar are being followed closely by the nine other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the group's chairman says in a statement. He reminds that the ASEAN charter includes "adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms."

The chairman says "political stability in ASEAN member states is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community," and he encourages "the pursuance of dialogue, reconciliation and the return to normalcy in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar."

3:45 p.m. As the military's action gains media attention, people in Yangon rush to markets and shops for panic buying.

3:30 p.m. Protesters in Bangkok wave images of Suu Kyi at a demonstration outside Myanmar's embassy. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan tells reporters that the military takeover in neighboring Myanmar is "their internal affairs."

But activist group We Volunteer says in a statement: "We reaffirm that as a member of ASEAN, we cannot stay silent to such an evil and unlawful act." The group demands that Thailand "not endorse and legitimize" the coup or the government it produces. Political gatherings are illegal in Thailand under COVID-19 emergency rule, and there have been arrests for earlier breaches. Police in full riot gear disperse the demonstrators in what appears to be an intentionally forceful response.

Protesters at Myanmar's embassy in Bangkok hold images of that country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on Feb. 1.   © Getty Images

2:30 p.m. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it "viewed with serious concern" the latest developments in Myanmar. "Malaysia calls on the Myanmar military and all relevant parties to give utmost priority to the maintenance of peace and security in Myanmar, uphold the rule of law, and resolve any electoral discrepancies through established legal mechanisms and dialogue in a peaceful manner."

The ministry says peace and stability in Myanmar are regional concerns. "Malaysia reaffirms the strong support for Myanmar's democratic transition, peace process and inclusive economic development."

ASEAN countries are usually slow to comment on political developments in other member states. Thailand has shrugged off the action in Myanmar as an internal matter, but Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia are more forthright in their statements.

1:55 p.m. Myint Htwe, an NLD member of parliament, says a statement issued on the NLD chair's Facebook page is fake. Speculation on Twitter suggests the account might have been hacked in order to provoke a popular response to the coup.

Police are out in force around Yangon after the military coup.   © Getty Images

1:48 p.m. The office of the commander in chief, Min Aung Hlaing, issues a six-point statement justifying the apparent coup. The order has a number followed by the year -- 1/2021 -- which is the same format used by an earlier Burmese junta, the State Law and Restoration Council, after it came to power in a bloody coup Sept. 18, 1988.

The new order claims that the Union Election Commission failed to resolve "a large difference" in the voter lists used for the general election on Nov. 8, and that calls for a special parliamentary session to address the issue were denied, as was a meeting on the same topic of the National Defense and Security Council.

The military leader's statement says that a new election commission will be appointed and that voter lists must be checked "in accord with the law" -- a phrase often used in State Law and Order Restoration Council statements in the late 1980s.

The statement says anti-COVID-19 measures "will be effectively carried out with momentum," and efforts made to help businesses affected by the pandemic recover. It promises greater emphasis on "restoring eternal peace" in line with the existing National Ceasefire Agreement, to which some warring ethnic minorities have already signed on.

The sixth clause promises a fresh general election once these tasks are completed, and a transfer of power to the winning party in accordance with "the norms and standards of democracy." The statement does not include a time frame, but a military-owned TV station reports in the morning that the process will last one year. "Pro Tem" or Provisional President Myint Swe also mentions a year's duration in his statement at 10:30 a.m.

1:47 p.m. Locals report that the road leading to the parliament building in Naypyitaw, the capital, is buzzing with security personnel, with at least five armored personnel carriers in the vicinity. Other parts of the city are calm, and ministries appear normal with no added security.

12:37 p.m. India's Ministry of External Affairs issues a statement on the coup in Myanmar: "We have noted the developments with deep concern. India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar."

12:07 p.m. Indonesia's foreign ministry expresses concern over the situation in Myanmar, calls for the observance of the principles of the ASEAN charter and urges that all electoral differences be addressed using available legal mechanisms.

Soldiers were deployed around City Hall in central Yangon in the early morning of Feb. 1 following a coup.   © Reuters

12:05 p.m. Banks agree to suspend all financial services due to poor Internet connections during the current political crisis, the Myanmar Bankers Association says. The banks are seeking permission from the central bank for the temporary closure, the statement says.

11:47 a.m. Rohingya refugees condemn the overthrow of a democratically elected government in Myanmar by the military on Monday, a community leader says.

"We Rohingya community strongly condemn this heinous attempt to kill democracy," Dil Mohammed tells Reuters by phone. "We urge the global community to come forward and restore democracy at any cost."

11:12 a.m. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan indicates the government will not criticize the coup in Myanmar, saying: "It's their business -- it's their domestic issue."

11:07 a.m. Anurat Intorn, chairman of Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce on the Thai side of the border with Myanmar, says all border areas are sealed and border trade has been closed down indefinitely.

"We are working with the Royal Thai Army to negotiate with Myanmar side, asking them to help businesses to move back cars and trucks, which carried goods into Myanmar to get back to Thailand," Anurat tells Nikkei Asia.

Thailand's border trade value at the Chiang Rai border was worth around 10.5 billion baht ($351 million) in 2020, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

11:00 a.m. The National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meets in the presidential palace in Naypyitaw, the national capital, chaired by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. It discusses alleged irregularities in 10.4 million votes cast in the November general election. Myanmar has 38 million eligible voters.

The military says it issued six warnings about the problem, and that 20 small political parties had put out 26 statements calling for the postponement of the opening of parliament. The NDSC said the violation of Section 417 of the 2008 Constitution, which relates to gaining power fraudulently and thereby compromising national sovereignty, justified invoking Section 418 (a) whereby legislative, executive and judicial powers are handed over to the the commander in chief of the defense services -- a judicial coup of sorts.

10:30 a.m. Myint Swe, the former third vice president and the new "pro tem" (a Latin term meaning "for the time being" or provisional) president of Myanmar issues a six-point statement justifying the coup after earlier signing all the state of emergency documents. He chastises the Union Election Commission for failing to "ensure a free, fair and transparent election," thereby compromising national sovereignty. It cites Section 417 of the constitution, which states that taking power through "wrongful forcible means" causes the loss of national sovereignty. If Section 417 is violated, Section 418 (a) can be invoked to transfer all legislative, judicial and executive powers to the commander in chief of the defense service. Clause six says the emergency declaration will remain in place for one year, and makes no mention of a new general election.

10:19 a.m. "Singapore expresses grave concern about the latest situation in Myanmar. We are monitoring the situation closely and hope all parties involved will exercise restraint, maintain dialogue, and work towards a positive and peaceful outcome," Singapore's Foreign Ministry spokesperson says.

10:17 a.m. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the detention of Suu Kyi and other political leaders and "urges the military leadership to respect the will of the people of Myanmar," a United Nations spokesman says.

"These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric says. "All leaders must act in the greater interest of Myanmar's democratic reform, engaging in meaningful dialogue, refraining from violence and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms."

10:00 a.m. Residents in Yangon are lining up to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.

People line up outside a bank branch in Yangon on Feb. 1. (Photo by Thurein Hla Htway)

9:50 a.m. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken says in a statement that "The United States expresses grave concern and alarm" and urges "Burmese military leaders to release all government officials and civil society leaders."

9:22 a.m. Japan urges Myanmar to uphold democracy. "We believe it is important that the relevant parties resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue and in line with the democratic process," Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, tells reporters in Tokyo.

9:00 a.m. Meanwhile, soldiers are in front of City Hall in central Yangon.

8:51 a.m. The U.S. warns Myanmar to reverse course following reports that the country's military had arrested its political leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a White House spokeswoman says.

"The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed," Jen Psaki says.

Myanmar's military-owned television said on Monday that a state of emergency has been declared that will last one year. (Photo by Yuichi NItta)

8:30 a.m. Myanmar's military-owned television says its commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken over the country in what amounts to a military coup. The military has declared a one-year state of emergency, claiming that it carried out detentions of senior government leaders in response to fraud during last year's general election.

8:24 a.m. Australia is "deeply concerned" about reports that Suu Kyi had been detained and the military was once again trying to seize control of Myanmar, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne says. "We call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others who have been detained unlawfully."

7:17 a.m. Mobile internet data connections and some phone services were disrupted in Yangon on Monday, residents say.

7:13 a.m. Soldiers are deployed outside City Hall in Myanmar's main city of Yangon, according to Reuters.

6:30 a.m. Thant Myint-U, a Burmese historian, tweets: "The doors just opened to a very different future. I have a sinking feeling that no one will really be able to control what comes next. And remember Myanmar's a country awash in weapons, with deep divisions across ethnic & religious lines, where millions can barely feed themselves."

6:18 a.m. Myanmar state TV says in a Facebook post that it is having technical errors and unable to broadcast.

6:00 a.m. Myanmar's military has detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, the ruling National League for Democracy tells Nikkei.

NLD spokesperson Myo Nyunt says the situation regarding NLD lawmakers is unclear, with parliament scheduled to convene on the day. According to the spokesperson: "The military should abide by the law. We need broad support from the international community to protect the democracy in Myanmar."

5:21 a.m. Reuters reports breaking news: "MYANMAR LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI DETAINED -- RULING PARTY SPOKESMAN."

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