A spokesperson for the US embassy in Yangon has expressed US government concern over the use of Myanmar state security forces to intervene in a dispute within the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party over the last couple of days.
“While the USDP has described the incident at its headquarters as an internal party matter, we are concerned about the apparent use of state security forces to help resolve the dispute,” said the spokesperson in a press release on August 13.
“It is important that the government clarify what actions it has taken and their legal basis. Maintaining public trust in the democratic process will be critical throughout this election season and ultimately the transition to a new government next April that reflects the will of the people. We will continue to closely watch the situation in months to come,” the statement from the spokesperson says.
Two senior politicians, USDP Secretary-General Maung Maung Thein and USDP president Thura U Shwe Mann have both been removed from their positions.
Security forces have been used to enter the USDP headquarters and prevent party members from leaving.
Media reports indicate Thura U Shwe Mann has his house surrounded under what appears to be a form of house arrest.
