The reactions of the European Institutions to the coup in Myanmar

The reactions of the European Institutions were not long in coming to the news of the coup d'état in Myanmar in which the Tatmadaw, the country's armed forces, arrested President Win Myint, State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the civilian government invoking article 418 of the 2008 Constitution, for alleged fraud during the last elections in November 2020, and declaring a state of emergency for a year.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has taken a tough position, calling for the immediate restoration of the legitimate civilian government in Myanmar and the rapid opening of parliament with the participation of all elected representatives, as required by the Constitution.

The same condemnation also came from the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Parliament, as well as some members of European Parliament.

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I strongly condemn the coup in Myanmar.

The legitimate civilian government must be restored, in line with the country’s constitution & the November elections.

I call for the immediate & unconditional release of all those detained. https://t.co/YbIkxLZlve

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 1, 2021

We are united in our condemnation of the coup in #Myanmar and in our call for the immediate release of all those detained.

Election results must be respected and democracy restored.

— David Sassoli (@EP_President) February 1, 2021

I strongly condemn the coup in #Myanmar and call on the military to release all who have been unlawfully detained in raids across the country.

The outcome of the elections has to be respected and democratic process needs to be restored.

— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) February 1, 2021