Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry is calling on the Myanmar military to exercise restraint in its use of force against peaceful protesters. That comes after military police fired on crowds in pro-democracy demonstrations on Sunday, leading to numerous casualties.
Myanmar’s two largest cities have seen large pro-democracy protests since the military seized power and declared a one-year state of emergency on February 1. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian leaders remain in custody. Protesters are calling for their release and a return to civilian democratic rule.
In a statement on Sunday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the military’s use of lethal force against peaceful protesters. It says Taiwan stands with democracies across the world in denouncing the violent suppression of demonstrations in Myanmar. The ministry says violence cannot solve the current crisis. It is calling on the Burmese military to engage in peaceful dialogue with protesters to return life to normal in the country.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry has also expressed its sorrow at the death of protesters demanding democratic governance. It says so far, there have been no reports of injury among Taiwanese citizens nor damage to Taiwanese businesses. The ministry says it will continue to work with the Myanmar Representative Office to follow events as they develop.