Mizzima-Feb 10
But the extension, which was announced Thursday, came as human rights groups criticized the Trump administration’s freezing of nearly $40 million in aid for Burmese pro-democracy groups as part of the dismantling of U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. Myanmar has been embroiled in a four-year civil war ever since a military coup on Feb. 1, 2021, which has pitted various ethnic armies and People’s Defense Force units of civilians who have taken up arms. Trump signed an extension to the February 2021 declaration of the national emergency because the situation in Myanmar “continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” according to a statement. The declaration was first issued under former President Joe Biden days after the 2021 coup d’etat in Naypyidaw.
Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington and a regular commentator for Radio Free Asia, said the main impact of the extension would be to extend various U.S. sanctions that have since been imposed on the military junta Myanmar, such as those covering jet fuel and banks. “I was surprised that it was renewed given the administration’s priorities right now,” Abuza told Radio Free Asia. “But I was very pleased that it was extended. I think this is an important signal. I think Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio has actually a very long positive track record on Myanmar Issues.” Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the presidential office of Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, or NUG — made up of former civilian leaders — said the exiled government welcomed the continuation of Biden-era declaration by Trump.
“I also believe that the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump does not alter their foreign policy regarding the Myanmar issue,” he told RFA. “That being said, we welcome their statement. The current situation in Myanmar also has implications for the United States.” Those implications included flows of drugs leaving Myanmar, he said. Read more at:
