The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Monday, February 1, 2021, following the crisis in Myanmar.
“Canada is deeply concerned by the Myanmar military’s recent actions, declaring a one-year state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country’s governance, and detaining senior civilian government leaders.
“Canada unequivocally condemns these actions, which jeopardize the peaceful process of democratic transition in Myanmar.” Garneau wrote.
The Minister also underscored that Canada has supported the development of democratic institutions in Myanmar and advancing the peaceful resolution of conflicts, while calling on the Myanmar military to release all individuals who have been detained as part of its operation and immediately halt all obstructions to the democratic process.
The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, on Thursday, February 4, 2021, also united in condemning the coup in Myanmar.
“We are deeply concerned by the detention of political leaders and civil society activists, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and targeting of the media. We call upon the military to immediately end the state of emergency, restore power to the democratically-elected government, to release all those unjustly detained, and to respect human rights and the rule of law. The November election results must be respected, and Parliament should be convened at the earliest opportunity.” G7 said.
The military’s restrictions on information flows are a major concern to stakeholders as civil unrest is uncertain. Young people of Myanmar have taken to social media to protest the illegitimate military operations in Myanmar.
The G7 has called on the Myanmar military to avoid reprisals in any form targeted at Civilians, including civil society and the media.
“We also call for unrestricted humanitarian access to support the most vulnerable.
“G7 Foreign Ministers recall their 2019 communique in which we restated our commitment to Myanmar’s democratic transition, peace, and accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
“We stand with the people of Myanmar who want to see a democratic future.”
Mr. Garneau is quoted to have said that Canada is committed to this new development in Myanmar while following the situation closely.