03.25.21

McConnell Applauds Burma Sanctions, Calls for Continued Action

‘This is one of several steps that I called for nearly a month ago.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding Burma:

The violence and repression that the Burmese military continues to inflict on the people of Burma is reprehensible. Hundreds of civilians are now dead and thousands more have been arrested.

I applaud the Administration’s decision to sanction two large holding companies controlled by Burma’s military. This is one of several steps that I called for nearly a month ago.

It’s important that the United States, as well as our allies and partners, respond to this atrocity with toughness. Every nation that respects the rule of law has an interest in pressuring the junta to reverse course immediately. Its murderous leaders need to feel the pain in their pocketbooks. And if there is any reason why the United Nations Security Council should not impose an international arms embargo and sanctions on Burma’s despots, let Beijing and Moscow try to make that case.

To the people of Burma: We are pulling for you. Americans stand with the thousands of political prisoners who have been detained and those who have been injured or killed in this brutal crackdown on democracy and human rights.