WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

EU set to expand Myanmar sanctions to military-linked firms

April 16, 2021 07:02 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

The European Union is set to impose more sanctions next week over the coup and crackdown in Myanmar, targeting 10 individuals and two businesses controlled by the military, European diplomats said Friday. 

The measures -- expected to be unveiled following a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday -- come after the bloc hit junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and 10 other senior officials with sanctions last month over the February 1 seizure of power and bloody suppression of protests.  

Diplomats said the fresh round of EU asset freezes and visas bans will be expanded to two firms tied to the military as Western powers seek to increase presssure on Myanmar's new leadership by targeting their key moneymakers.  

The US and Britain have imposed sanctions on two conglomerates -- the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) and Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL) -- that dominate many sectors of the resource-rich Southeast Asian country's economy, including trading, alcohol, cigarettes and consumer goods.

Washington has also hit Myanmar's state gem company, that manages the mining and marketing of the country's jade and other precious stones. 

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power from civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a massive uprising that the junta has sought to quell using lethal force. 

So far more than 700 civilians have been killed in anti-coup unrest, according to a local monitoring group, and more than 3,000 have been detained. 

 

 



Most Read

  1. Currency exchange dealer, guard shot dead by rivals in Islamabad Currency exchange dealer, guard shot dead by rivals in Islamabad
  2. State Bank of Pakistan shortlists new designs for currency notes State Bank of Pakistan shortlists new designs for currency notes
  3. Two girls, boy die after drinking toxic alcohol at Islamabad dance party Two girls, boy die after drinking toxic alcohol at Islamabad dance party
  4. BISE Lahore postpones Matric paper fixed on September 17 BISE Lahore postpones Matric paper fixed on September 17
  5. Former PTV MD Athar Waqar Azim passes away Former PTV MD Athar Waqar Azim passes away
  6. Karachi Karsaz Accident: Natasha pays Rs55m to victims' family for her release, bail granted  Karachi Karsaz Accident: Natasha pays Rs55m to victims' family for her release, bail granted