MYANMAR NAT’L UNITY GOV’T URGES ASEAN TO ENGAGE WITH THEM

Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), which includes ousted lawmakers, appreciates the support from Southeast Asian countries, but the body's prime minister said he was concerned by "any misrepresentation of facts by the military,” Reuters reported.

In his first statement since Saturday's meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the junta leader, National Unity Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann also said there should be an unconditional release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, for any constructive dialogue.

The Myanmar military overthrew the elected government of Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, detaining her and other civilian politicians, and waged a violent campaign to crush unarmed anti-coup protesters.

More than 700 people have been killed by the military and police in major cities and towns of the impoverished country and the coup sparked armed clashes with armed ethnic groups seeking independence or autonomous rule.

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