Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480 of 22 March 2021 implementing Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/Burma
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480of 22 March 2021implementing Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/BurmaTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 of 2 May 2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/Burma and repealing Regulation (EC) No 194/2008OJ L 121, 3.5.2013, p. 1., and in particular Article 4i thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Whereas:(1)On 2 May 2013, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 401/2013.(2)On 22 February 2021, the Council adopted conclusions in which it condemned in the strongest terms the military coup carried out in Myanmar/Burma on 1 February 2021. It called for de-escalation of the crisis through an immediate end to the state of emergency, the restoration of the legitimate civilian government and the opening of the newly elected parliament.(3)The Council also called upon the military authorities to release the President, the State Counsellor and all those who have been detained or arrested in connection with the coup. The Council insisted that unimpeded telecommunications must be ensured, freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and access to information guaranteed, and the rule of law and human rights respected. It condemned the military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators while calling for maximum restraint to be exercised by the authorities and for all sides to refrain from violence, in line with international law.(4)The Council conclusions underlined the readiness of the Union to adopt restrictive measures in response to the military coup.(5)On 28 February 2021, following the violent crackdown against peaceful protests across the country, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy condemned the brutal repression and called upon the military authorities to immediately stop the use of force against civilians and allow the population to express their right to freedom of expression and assembly.(6)In this context, and in view of the continuing grave situation in Myanmar/Burma, 11 persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013.(7)Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 should therefore be amended accordingly,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: