The Biden administration on Monday announced new economic sanctions against Burma, with the immediate suspension of a trade deal until a "
democratically elected
"
government returns
in response to the deadly crackdown on pro democracy protests .
Read also: Burma: resistance is organized against the repression of the army
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a statement "
the suspension of all US engagement with Burma under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with immediate effect
."
"
This suspension will remain in effect until the return of a democratically elected government
," the statement said.
The Burmese army, which overthrew civilian head of government Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, is bloody suppressing daily protests calling for the return of democracy and the release of former leaders.
The weekend's crackdown, strongly condemned by the international community, left more than a hundred dead, including several children, on Saturday during the bloodiest day since the military coup.
“
The United States supports the people of Burma in their efforts to restore a democratically elected government, which has been the foundation for economic growth and reform in Burma,
” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.
“
The United States strongly condemns the brutal violence of the Burmese security forces against civilians,
” she adds.
Washington believes that "
these actions constitute a direct attack on the country's transition to democracy and the efforts of the Burmese people to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future
."
Read also: In India, the repentant deserters of the Burmese junta
Last week, the United States sanctioned two officials of the Burmese security forces and two divisions of the military in response to the "
violent crackdown
" on pro-democracy protests.
These sanctions were aimed in particular at preventing Burmese officials from accessing the international financial system or maintaining trade relations with the United States.