United States Removes Sanctions on Myanmar Military Associates Following General's Praise Letter for Trump
The United States has lifted sanctions on several companies and individuals linked to Myanmar's military regime, marking a significant shift in US policy towards the Southeast Asian country. The entities, which include KT Services & Logistics, Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company, Suntac Technologies, and key individuals, were previously blacklisted for their close ties to the military junta and involvement in defense and logistics sectors.
The move, reportedly initiated in the previous administration, is unrelated to a recent letter from Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, praising former President Donald Trump. The letter, however, did contain a request for a reduction in the 40% tariff rate on Myanmar's exports to the US.
Human Rights Watch has expressed deep concern over the lifting of sanctions, viewing it as a potential retreat from a policy committed to holding the military accountable for severe abuses. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that this policy change suggests a major departure from the previously strict stance against Myanmarโs military regime, which has been implicated in crimes against humanity and genocide.
Min Aung Hlaing, in response, asked Trump to reconsider easing and lifting economic sanctions on Myanmar, stating that they hinder the shared interests and prosperity of both countries and their peoples. He was also reported to have praised Trump's leadership and patriotism in guiding his country towards national prosperity.
It is important to note that Myanmar's military overthrew a democratically elected government in 2021, triggering severe humanitarian crises. The military regime has been under international scrutiny for its human rights abuses and violations of democracy. The military leaders have been accused of crimes against humanity and genocide.
At the time of writing, no further details were given about any response or decision made by Trump regarding the tariff request or sanctions request from Min Aung Hlaing, nor any countermeasures threatened by the EU in response to Trump's 'unacceptable' tariffs. The potential impact of the tariff request or sanctions request on the economies of the US and Myanmar also remains unclear.
This development comes at a time when the international community is urging Myanmar's military to restore democracy and respect human rights. The lifting of sanctions on Myanmar's military allies has raised concerns about the US's stance on human rights issues in Myanmar.
[1] Reuters. (2022, March 1). U.S. lifts sanctions on four Myanmar companies, individual. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-lifts-sanctions-four-myanmar-companies-individual-2022-03-01/
[2] Associated Press. (2022, March 1). US lifts sanctions on Myanmar companies, individual. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/business-myanmar-sanctions-united-states-93c387742d1b2a488f8c49f830b1533f
[3] Human Rights Watch. (2022, March 1). US Lifting of Sanctions on Myanmar Military Allies Extremely Worrying. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/01/us-lifting-sanctions-myanmar-military-allies-extremely-worrying
[4] The Washington Post. (2022, March 1). U.S. lifts sanctions on Myanmar allies, reversing course on military-linked companies. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/03/01/us-lifts-sanctions-myanmar-allies-reversing-course-on-military-linked-companies/
- The recent easing of sanctions on Myanmar's military allies by the United States has stirred conversations about its policy on sports, health, and general news, as concerns arise regarding the implications of this move on human rights.
- Columnists across various platforms have discussed the potential impact of the policy change on war-and-conflicts in Myanmar, expressing reservations about the retreat from a policy committed to holding the military accountable for crimes against humanity and genocide.
- The casino-and-gambling industry, including casino-games, has remained relatively unaffected by the lifting of sanctions, but policy-and-legislation analysts are closely monitoring any shifts in the current stance, particularly in regard to crime-and-justice and the possible relationship between both sectors and the military regime.
- Some have argued that the move, initiated in the previous administration, may have connections to poker and politics, as the former President Donald Trump was reported to have received a letter from Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, praising his leadership and requesting a reduction in the tariff rate on Myanmar's exports to the US.
- As the international community continues to push for democracy and human rights in Myanmar, the lifting of sanctions raises questions about the US's commitment to upholding values such as accountability, prosperity, and peace in its foreign policy, beyond just sports and traditional matters of interest.
