The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Myanmar has said they are impressed with the level of organization and peaceful conduct exhibited during the recent military coup that saw the de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint detained by the military.
“We saw an extremely well-organized coup exercise with soldiers very orderly waiting to open fire on dissidents and everything went on very peacefully. We are very impressed…the military was very professional,” said the Delegation of the European Union to Myanmar.
The EU delegation chief made the remarks on Monday morning while speaking to journalists at Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township minutes after the military coup was declared, noting that the European Union will continue to partner with allies in South East Asia to ensure that the interests of the European Union are taken care of.
Military Democracy
With the de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained and Military chief Min Aung Hlaing taking the reins, the EU has a unique opportunity to exploit the vast resources in Myanmar such as natural gas, rubies, jade, and timber logs. However, all this will depend on the cooperation of the new military leader, although defiance is something that the EU will not take kindly.
The Myanmar coup has also raised alert levels on the whole of South East Asia because coups are usually contagious. Leaders are afraid that the coup contagion could spread to some neighboring countries, with farmers in India closely following whatever is happening in Myanmar.
“Military-driven political events are very contagious and when one takes place successfully, the nearby militaries get excited. We do not want such a situation being replicated in the region, unless of course, it serves the interest of the European Union.”
