Junta ‘stalling for time’ with Myanmar election plan

Showing their displeasure: A file photo showing protesters preparing to burn the Asean flag as they take part in a flash mob demonstration against the military coup in Yangon. — AFP

The United States said Myanmar’s junta was playing for time with a two-year election timeframe as Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to encourage Asean to appoint an envoy.

Blinken is participating virtually in a week of talks involving foreign ministers of Asean, the latest bid by President Joe Biden’s administration to engage the region.