Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell recently addressed the challenges facing Burma in light of recent earthquakes, which compound the difficulties of an ongoing military coup. He acknowledged the struggles the Burmese people have faced with governance primarily under a totalitarian regime.

“This weekend’s earthquakes in Burma have heaped new tragedy on a people already beset by grinding hardship. For most of Burma’s independent history, its people have struggled under the jackboot of a totalitarian junta,” Senator McConnell stated. He highlighted the efforts needed to address these new challenges, particularly regarding survivor rescue efforts.

McConnell commended the resilience shown by the Burmese population since the coup that took place in 2021. The cooperation among ethnic groups and the pro-democracy movement have posed significant difficulties for the junta. He remarked, "The Tatmadaw’s decision to drop bombs on impacted villages instead of sending urgent material assistance will go down among its most callous offenses."

He mentioned that while foreign aid is reaching the areas affected by the disaster, mainly near Mandalay, there is a noticeable lack of American involvement. He emphasized that the absence of sustained American participation is evident when compared to the major role played by the People's Republic of China. McConnell commented on the current state of American humanitarian efforts, stating, "With U.S. networks of humanitarian workers and regional experts in tatters, pledges of assistance to the people of Burma will be less efficient and less effective."

Senator McConnell reiterated his call for the U.S. to take definitive action: “As I have repeatedly urged administrations of both parties for years before this weekend’s events, the United States and its allies must apply urgent and concerted pressure on the military to cease its slaughter and restore power to the people of Burma.”