The following press release was published by the Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson on July 31. It is reproduced in full below.

The United States is deeply concerned by the Burma military regime’s extension of the state of emergency, which comes as the regime plunges the country deeper into violence and instability. Since overthrowing a democratically elected government two and a half years ago, the military regime has carried out hundreds of airstrikes, burned down tens of thousands of homes, and displaced more than 1.6 million people. The regime’s widespread brutality and disregard for the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma continue to prolong the crisis. The United States will continue to work with our partners and allies to apply political and economic tools to hold the regime accountable. We continue to call for it to end its violence and atrocities, release those unjustly detained, allow unhindered humanitarian access, seek justice for survivors, and engage with all stakeholders to pursue a peaceful, just, and democratic future for Burma.

Source: Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson