The move further delays promised elections and raises concerns about the regime's commitment to democracy and human rights.
The crisis in Myanmar deepens as the military regime extends its state of emergency for the sixth time. / Photo: AP
The emergency decree empowers the military to assume all government functions, giving the head of the ruling military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, legislative, judicial and executive powers. “The Burma military regime’s extension of the state of emergency is at odds with the aspirations of the people of Burma, including their continued strong opposition to military rule,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, using Myanmar's former name. “We call on the regime to engage with all stakeholders to pursue a path toward a peaceful, representative, and democratic future.
Wednesday's extension, however, was the regime's sixth, and was again rubber-stamped by the NDSC, which is nominally a constitutional administrative government body, but in practice is controlled by the military. It did not announce the details behind its decision. Under the country's constitution, for an election to be held the military has to transfer government functions to the president at least six months before the polls.
Turkey Middle East Africa Europe China Us Germany News Breaking News Context Explainer Opinion Economy Business Trends Humans Globalisation Russia Rt Trt Trt World Journalism Human Interest
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Myanmar junta leader assumes presidential powers as president takes ‘sick leave,’ state media reportsGeneral Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military junta, became the country’s interim president on Monday after figurehead leader Myint Swe was placed on medical leave, state media reported.
Read more »
Myanmar ethnic armies, junta agree 4-day ceasefire in Shan state: allianceAn alliance of ethnic armies say they will cease fighting the junta between July 14 and 18.
Read more »
Australia FM Wong calls on Myanmar junta to 'take different path'Weeks after it seized power and launched a crackdown on dissent in Myanmar, the junta agreed to a five-point peace plan with ASEAN, but has failed to implement it.
Read more »
Myanmar junta's actions risk 'destroying' uncontrollable country — UNUN special rapporteur Andrews highlighted the junta's resort to attacking civilians and vital institutions like schools and hospitals as its military losses mount.
Read more »
Myanmar town reduced to rubble amid clashes between junta, TNLAMyanmar's borderlands are home to myriad armed ethnic groups who have battled the military since independence from Britain in 1948 for autonomy and control of resources.
Read more »
Myanmar's military regime extends state of emergency by 6 months as civil war ragesThe military regime that seized power in Myanmar 3 1/2 years ago extended the state of emergency in the civil war-wracked country for another six months, saying it needs time to prepare for long-promised elections
Read more »