Sanctions imposed: New Zealand cuts off political ties with Myanmar’s junta

Tuesday 09 February 2021

Imposed penalties
New Zealand cuts political ties with the Myanmar junta

New Zealand cut off all political and military contacts with the Southeast Asian country after the coup in Myanmar.

In addition, a travel ban will be imposed on members of the junta, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Our strong message is that we will do all we can from here in New Zealand,” the prime minister said.

The army in the former Burma returned to power about a week ago and overthrew the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi, who clearly won the general election in November, has been detained since then. Several other politicians have also been arrested.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaya Mahuta has said that even aid programs for Myanmar should not include projects that are run or benefit from the military government. “We do not recognize the legitimacy of the government led by the army, and we call on the army to immediately release all detained politicians and restore the civilian government,” the statement added.

Mahuta said that the rule of law and the democratic will of the Myanmar people should be respected. New Zealand and other countries are campaigning for a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to discuss the situation in the Southeast Asian country.