The United States will not turn a blind eye to shortcomings in Myanmar’s election next month said a top US diplomat for Asia.
Speaking in a congressional hearing in Washington, Assistance Secretary of State Daniel Russel said that the US was “deeply, deeply concerned” about the treatment of Myanmar’s Rohingya Musllim population.
Warning that the politicisation of religion could lead to violence, Mr Russel added,
“We will make our assessment based on what we hear and see. We will also look at the morning after. It is critically important that all parties accept the results of the polling. Our ability to assist the new Burmese government, let alone look at the relaxation of sanctions, will depend on our assessment of the integrity of the overall process.”
The upcoming elections on November 8 are expected to be the regions first free and fair vote in 25 years, reports Reuters.
Myanmar’s current constitution reserves 25 percent of parliamentary sears and cabinet posts for the military.