Mizzima

The Chiefs of Defense of Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America released a statement yesterday condemning the Myanmar Armed forces for its use of violence against citizens across the country.

“As Chiefs of Defense, we condemn the use of lethal force against unarmed people by the Myanmar Armed Forces and associated security services,” the statement read.

“A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves.”

They urged the Myanmar Armed Forces to “cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.”

Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, also endorsed the statement, as did General Angus J. Campbell, AO DSC Chief of the Australian Defence Force.

Reuters confirmed that diplomatic representatives from eight countries - Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand – attended the Armed Forces Day parade in Naypyidaw, but Russia was the only one to send a minister.

The parade was followed by a lavish state dinner, while at the same time, Myanmar security forces killed over 114 people throughout the day, including children, according to reports.