The United States (US) on Friday demanded swift action from the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Myanmar amid a push for a resolution to pressure the military junta to restore democracy.
"The military needs to feel the cost associated with its horrific actions. The stability and prosperity of the region depends on swift action," US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a Security Council meeting.
"The military has ignored our condemnations, posing a test for the Security Council," she said.
"Will the Council quibble over language in yet another statement or will we act to save the lives of the Burmese people?" she said, using Myanmar's former name of Burma.
Estonia, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, said that the 15-nation body needed to start drafting a resolution that could include sanctions on Myanmar including an international arms embargo.
"The United Nations Security Council is the only entity in the world, which has the legitimate power to protect nations at risk and must explore every tool in its toolbox to end this horrible situation," said Estonia's ambassador, Sven Jurgenson.
Russia and China both hold veto power and have historically opposed international sanctions, although Beijing – the military's primary ally – has voiced increasing concern about the instability in its neighbour.
The military on 1 February toppled democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi and has since violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, with the UN saying that more than 600 people have died.
No-Fly Zone, Sanctions
Myanmar's envoy to the UN, who has rebelled against the junta, on Friday urged a no-fly zone, arms embargo and targeted sanctions in a passionate plea for action.
"Your collective, strong action is needed immediately," Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun told a Security Council meeting.
"Time is of the essence for us," he said. "Please, please take action."
He voiced regret so far at the "lack of adequate and strong action by the international community, especially the UN Security Council."
The envoy, appearing virtually with the flag of Myanmar behind him, said that the junta has deliberately been targeting civilians and he voiced anguish over the deaths of children.
"A no-fly zone should be declared," he said, "to avoid further bloodshed caused by the military air strikes on civilian areas."
"No doubt that these acts are not acceptable to all of us in this modern world," he said.
"I strongly believe that the international community, in particular the UN Security Council, will not let these atrocities keep going on in Myanmar."
He also called for an international arms embargo and the freezing of bank accounts associated with members of the military and their families.
All foreign direct investment should also be suspended until the restoration of the democratically elected government, the ambassador said. – AFP