Blinken urges ASEAN to take ‘immediate action’ on Myanmar

Antony Blinken, the United States top diplomat, has expressed “deep concerns” about the military coup in Myanmar, calling on Southeast Asian nations to take action to end violence and restore democracy in the country.

Blinken made the appeal during a meeting with foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday.

ASEAN has been leading the main diplomatic effort on member country Myanmar since the military seized power in a coup on February 1, plunging the country into turmoil.

At least 902 people have been killed, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, while tens of thousands of people have been displaced amid fighting between the security forces and newly formed armed groups across Myanmar.

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