“Why are Austria and Germany giving special treatment to a war criminal?” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “The only place in Europe which Min Aung Hlaing should be visiting is the International Criminal Court in The Hague.”

Officially, the EU still has an arms embargo, but EU member states appear to be competing to buy favour in anticipation of when the arms embargo is lifted or relaxed.

“It is a shameful decision by Germany and Austria to invite Min Aung Hlaing,” said Mark Farmaner. “Being given red carpet treatment like this will encourage Min Aung Hlaing to continue to believe he and his soldiers can continue to violate international law without facing any consequences.”