Myanmar Military Threats, Fear of Coup Raises Alarm Internationally

More than a dozen embassies, including the United States and the European Union delegation, have urged Myanmar to “adhere to democratic norms”, joining the United Nations in a chorus of international concern about a possible coup.

The call came on Friday as Myanmar is just about 10 years out of nearly 50 years of military rule, with a nascent democracy governed under a military-authored constitution which dictates power-sharing between the civilian administration and the country’s generals.

nited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was following with “great concern” developments in Myanmar, where the army has said it would take action if complaints about the election are not addressed. An army spokesman on Tuesday declined to rule out the possibility of seizing power.

Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and United States, and 12 other nations, in a separate statement urged the military to “adhere to democratic norms”.

They said they opposed “any attempt to alter the outcome of the elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition”.

A military spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

Talks between the civilian government and army failed to ease tensions ahead of parliament’s opening on Monday, a ruling party spokesman said as pro-military protesters gathered in two cities.

Source: Aljazeera