Russia supports the Myanmar junta through Lavrov’s mouth

Increasingly isolated on the international stage, Russia is reaching out to the Burmese junta by expressing the Kremlin’s support for its “efforts to stabilize the country,” according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is visiting Naypyidaw.

“We stand in solidarity with (Myanmar authorities’) efforts to stabilize the situation in the country,” said Sergei Lavrov, who on his first visit to the country met with the Burmese junta leadership to discuss defense and cooperation issues. of security.

“We have a very solid basis for strengthening our cooperation in a number of areas,” Lavrov said, referring to a “traditionally friendly partnership” with Myanmar, which is part of the Chinese sphere of influence.

Moscow has been active in strengthening its relations with the Burmese junta to which it sells weapons. Junta leader Min Aung Hleung visited Russia in mid-July and met with nuclear and aerospace officials.

Myanmar is also in international isolation following the recent execution of four prisoners, including two opposition figures. The Burmese junta, which overthrew the government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, abruptly ending a brief democratic hiatus, has been waging a bloody crackdown in Myanmar, where 2,100 civilians have been killed and 15,000 arrested since the coup.

Since taking power, the military regime has promised “free elections”, which have already been postponed until this year. The head of the junta said that before the organization of elections there should be “peace and stability”.

Tomorrow, Sergei Lavrov will be in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to attend the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) foreign ministers’ meeting, to which the Burmese junta is not invited.

Source: AMPE