By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Myanmar’s civil war has erupted following a military coup. This was the warning of the U.N. special envoy for Myanmar on Thursday. He said that Myanmar does not have the opportunity to return to democracy and that additional targeted sanctions may be necessary.

Christine Schraner Burgener will be stepping down following more than three-and a-half-years in the position. In June, she told the U.N. General Assembly of the real danger of large-scale civil conflict after the military seize power on February 1, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi as well other elected officials.

She answered a question on Thursday asking if there is presently a civil war.

It is “very important” for governments and UN to not accept the junta. She also said that it was vital that the willful vote of the people, who voted one year ago in order to elect Suu Kyi’s government, was preserved.

There are competing claims to the United Nations’ seat in Myanmar at the international body. By the end of this year, member countries are expected to decide whether the junta or the current Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun should be elected by the elected government.

Schraner Burgener claimed that the military was “no interested in compromise or in dialogue”, and that there is “a narrowing of opportunities to help Myanmar get back on the road to democracy and democratic reform. I therefore urge member states to do something.”

Britain, the United States and other countries have placed sanctions against military leaders for their coup attempt and the repression pro-democracy protests that saw hundreds of people killed. Schraner Burgener said that more countries could impose targeted measures to have the same effect.

According to her, the Myanmar people would resist any coup. Many were writing to her to express their dismay.