Moscow fuels Myanmar war machine, then claims to bring peace
Voice of America – 20-8-2022
On August 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made an official visit to Myanmar, underscoring Russia’s support for the country’s military government.
The visit came just over a week after Myanmar’s military junta announced it had executed four pro-democracy activists – the country’s first executions in decades – sparking international condemnation.
Myanmar has spiraled into chaos since February 2021, when the military seized power by force from the elected government.
As of August 5, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, run by Myanmar citizens in exile, said 2,158 “people, pro-democracy activists and other civilians” have been killed as a result of the post-coup military crackdown.
Lavrov said Russia stood in solidarity with “efforts to stabilize the situation in the country” and welcomed planned elections next year. Analysts say the elections will be used to install a pro-military government.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova weighed in on what she described as Lavrov’s “rich visit.” In reference to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent trip to Taiwan, Zakharova said Lavrov visited “to promote cooperation,” rather than provoke China.
“Russia brings cooperation, peace, [and] stability to the region. Russia operates based on international law, mutual respect and the mutual consideration of interests,” Russian state broadcaster Sputnik quoted Zakharova as saying.
That is false. Russia, as a major supplier of arms to Myanmar’s military government, is doing anything but bringing peace and stability to the region.
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