What coup? Myanmar army denies threat, says it will protect constitution
- Statement from Tatmadaw comes after UN expresses serious concerns about possibility of army intervention in country
- Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy said military’s statement that it would act according to law was ‘suitable explanation’
Myanmar’s military on Saturday said it would protect and abide by the constitution and act according to law, in a move that could allay concerns in the country that the armed forces might attempt to seize power.
The military, known locally as the Tatmadaw, said recent remarks by its commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, about abolishing the constitution had been misinterpreted.
“The Tatmadaw is protecting the 2008 constitution and will act according to the law,” it said. “Some organisations and media assumed what they want and wrote as Tatmadaw will abolish the constitution.”
NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party wanted the military to be an organisation “that accepts the people’s desire regarding the election”.
Political tensions escalated this week when a military spokesman declined to rule out a coup, just days ahead of a new parliament convening, and warned the armed forces could “take action” if its complaints about vote fraud were not addressed.
