Washington: US President Joe Biden on Thursday (local time) ordered a redirection of USD 42.4 million of assistance away from the Myanmar government following a military coup.
However, the USAID will continue its support to the people of Myanmar with approximately USD 69 million in bilateral programs that will provide direct benefits to sustain and improve the health of the people of Myanmar, including efforts to maintain democratic space, foster food security, support independent media, and promote peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected regions.
"Today's sanctions need not be permanent... the results of Myanmar's November 8, 2021 elections must be respected, and Parliament should be convened at the earliest opportunity," said the White House in the statement.
The White House also called for Myanmar's military to immediately restore power to the democratically-elected government and release unjustly detained government and political officials, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
The US Department of the Treasury designated 10 individuals and three entities for their association with the military apparatus responsible for the coup, according to the statement.
Read:|Biden signs executive order restricting transfer of funds, properties to Myanmar
Among these individuals are six members of the National Defense and Security Council, including Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese military forces Min Aung Hlaing and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Burmese military forces Soe Win, as well as four members of the State Administration Council.
Under the new Executive order signed by Biden, the Treasury Department can also target the spouses and adult children of these individuals.