Australian PM says Myanmar developments "disturbing"

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called developments in Myanmar "disturbing" during a televised address at the National Press Club on Monday.

The U.S. and others also issued statements expressing concern reports and urging Myanmar's military to respect the rule of law.

Myanmar military television said Monday that the military was taking control of the country for one year, while reports said many of the country's senior politicians including Aung San Suu Kyi had been detained.

A presenter on military-owned Myawaddy TV made the announcement and cited a section of the military-drafted constitution that allows the military to take control in times of national emergency.

He said the reason for takeover was in part due to the government's failure to act on the military's claims of voter fraud in last November's election and its failure to postpone the election because of the coronavirus crisis.

The announcement follows days of concern about the threat of a military coup — and military denials — and came on the morning the country's new Parliament session was to begin.

The detention of the politicians and cuts in communication services on Monday were the first signals that plans to seize power were in motion. Phone and internet access to Naypyitaw was lost and Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party could not be reached.

Morrison said Australia joined other countries in a statement to urge Myanmar military to adhere to democratic norms.