Myanmar Army Chief Calls for Decisive Action to Crush Resistance and Urges Foreign Powers to Back Return to Democracy

Myanmar's military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, vowed to crush armed resistance groups opposing his rule in a rare speech during the country's annual military parade. He blamed British imperialism and Japanese fascism for dividing the people of Myanmar and pushing the armed forces to intervene repeatedly in its political life for the past 75 years. He promised a return to democracy, but with Aung San Suu Kyi convicted on implausible charges, his version of democracy will be one where the military calls the shots. The military retains the support of China and Russia, whose attaches attended the parade.