UN envoy contacts a top Myanmar general; condemns the coup and asks for release of leaders

New York: In a significant development, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener had a virtual meeting with the Deputy Commander‑in‑Chief of the armed forces of Myanmar, Vice‑General Soe Win, in Nay Pyi Taw, and conveyed to him the UN’s strong condemnation of the military’s action that disrupted the democratic reforms that were taking place in the country. 

She also reiterated her call for the immediate release of all detained and emphasised the need to advance progress on key areas in regard to a safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya refugees, the peace process, accountability and particularly engaging with the international community, and engaging with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the ongoing case.

Informing about the virtual meeting, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters here last night (IST) that this was “quite a long conversation, but I think it was a very important conversation, as the first contact we’ve had with the military authorities since the coup”.

The UN Secretary-General had earlier said that he wanted to mobilise the international community to put pressure on the military to reverse the coup and return to the path towards total democratic rule.  Subsequently, after initial differences, the United Nations Security Council had come up with a press statement with a unified voice condemning the coup and detention of leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

Dujarric informed that Burgener was in talks with various representatives of ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), and yesterday she also spoke to the Secretary‑General of ASEAN to ensure that “we’re all working with the same goal”.

Earlier, it may be mentioned, the Security Council in its press statement on situation in Myanmar, which was issued by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom), had expressed its “deep concern” at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military on February 1 and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others.  It had called for the immediate release of all those detained.

– global bihari bureau