Message from the coup-leader
In an Armed Forces Day TV address, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing
reiterated a promise to hold elections, but did not give any timeframe.
“The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy,” he said.
“Violent acts that affect stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate.”
He added that the army had to seize power because of “unlawful acts”
by democratically elected leader Ms Suu Kyi and her party.
However, he did not specifically say that the military had been
given shoot to kill orders. The junta has previously tried to claim
that shootings have come from among the protesters.
Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of Myanmar’s military
resistance against Japanese occupation in 1945.
A military parade in the capital Naypyitaw was attended by Russia’s
deputy defense minister Alexander Fomin.
“Russia is a true friend,” Min Aung Hlaing said.
Other countries, including China, India, Pakistan and Vietnam, sent
representatives but not ministers, according to Reuters.
The US, UK and EU have all imposed sanctions in response to the
military coup. Myanmar and Russia’s defense ties have grown in
recent years. In that time Moscow has provided training to thousands
of soldiers, and has sold arms to the military.
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