UN warns Myanmar military, as internet restored after blackout
The United Nations has warned the Myanmar military of “severe consequences” if it responds harshly to the protests that have taken place across the country following the February 1 coup, as a second internet blackout was lifted early on Tuesday.
“Ms Schraner Burgener has reinforced that the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected and that demonstrators are not subjected to reprisals,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq said in New York.
“She has conveyed to the Myanmar military that the world is watching closely, and any form of heavy-handed response is likely to have severe consequences.”
In an account of the meeting, Myanmar’s army said Soe Win, the regime’s second in command, had discussed the administration’s plans and information on “the true situation of what’s happening in Myanmar”.
Myanmar was plunged into a second internet blackout on Monday night after the 10th day of demonstrations against the coup and an increased presence of troops and military vehicles. Injuries were reported in Mandalay, the country’s second-biggest city, after police used force to break up a protest there.
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