Obama calls Myanmar violence 'heartbreaking,' says there should be costs to generals

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Barack Obama talks to the media as he meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. September 14, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who championed engagement with Myanmar's military while in office to promote democratic change, said on Monday he was "appalled by heartbreaking violence" it had used against civilians after retaking power in a coup.

In a rare statement, Obama said he supported efforts by the Biden administration and like-minded countries to impose costs on Myanmar's generals.