US accuses Myanmar generals of ‘stalling’, urges ASEAN pressure

US secretary of state to join talks with Southeast Asian foreign ministers as political turmoil continues in Myanmar.

The United States has accused Myanmar’s military generals of playing for time after coup leader Min Aung Hlaing extended the deadline for new elections, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) to step up efforts to resolve the political turmoil triggered by the power grab. Blinken is participating virtually this week in talks with foreign ministers from ASEAN, whose 10 members include Myanmar. At a special summit in April, the group agreed to a five-point plan to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, including an end to violence and the appointment of a special envoy to lead diplomatic initiatives.