Broad-economic sanctions against Myanmar would not be advisable at this time: US Secretary of State

He held separate talks with Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw on November 15.

Rex Tillerson arrived in Myanmar on November 15 to pay one-day visit.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson formally met Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. The meeting mainly focused the real situations of terror attacks in Rakhine State and the exodus of Bengalis, the re-acceptance of refugees in accord with the law, the fair distribution of humanitarian assistance, full cooperation between the government and the Tatmadaw and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries in the eradication of narcotic drugs and counter-terrorism.

Afterwards, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson held a talk with Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw. Both sides cordially exchanged views on the success of democratic transition, US’s continued assistance for national reconciliation efforts and the situations in Rakhine state.

In a joint press release between Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Rex Tillerson said: “Broad-based economic sanction against the entire country is not something that I would think would be advisable at this time. I think we want to see Myanmar succeed.”

“I have called on Myanmar’s civilian government to lead a full and effective, independent investigation, and for the military to facilitate full access and cooperation. We remain dedicated to Myanmar’s successful transition, which we are confident will bring peace and prosperity to this rich and beautiful land. The crisis in Rakhine State is one of the greatest challenges Myanmar has faced since the elected government came into office last year. The United States will provide an additional $47 million in humanitarian assistance for refugees, bringing the United States response to the Rakhine State crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh to more than $87 million since August of this year. The United States and friends from around the region are committed to helping the Government of Myanmar and its people work through this crisis with urgency, sensitivity, and openness,” he added.

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said: “I haven’t been silent. Actually, we’ve been sending out a lot of statements from my office, and I’ve also made statements of my own. But I think what people mean is that what I say is not interesting enough. But what I say is not meant to be exciting, it’s meant to be accurate. And it’s aimed at creating more harmony and a better future for everybody, not for setting people against each other.”

“Doing politics does not intend to build authority. It aims to enable Myanmar people to enjoy the fruits of rule of law, peace and economic development. In politics, opposition is not a strange thing.  In the past, there were oppositions inside and outside the country. Now the people in the country have more understanding. The country still faces oppositions outside the country. It is natural that we shall face such circumstances when we are involved in politics. I bear in my mind that I shall face these matters while performing duties,” she added.

Rex Tillerson arrived in Myanmar on November 15 after attending the 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings in the Philippines.

On November 14, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held a talk with Rex Tillerson in Manila of the Philippines. The separate talk focused democratic transition, peace process, economy and investments between the two countries and the latest development in Rakhine State.