UN DEMANDS REVERSAL OF MYANMAR COUP, SLAMS JUNTA VIOLENCE

The UN Security Council unanimously called for a reversal of the military coup in Myanmar, strongly condemning the violence against peaceful protesters and calling for “utmost restraint” by the military, Edith M. Lederer reported for the Associated Press (AP).

A presidential statement approved by all 15 councilmembers including Myanmar’s neighbor and friend China was formally adopted at a very brief virtual meeting, where US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the current council president, announced that the statement had been agreed.

A presidential statement is a step below a resolution but becomes part of the official record of the UN’s most powerful body.

The British-drafted statement calls for the immediate release of government leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint who have been detained since their ouster in the Feb. 1 military coup.

It supports the country’s democratic transition and “stresses the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law.”

China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Jun said in a statement that “it is important the council members speak in one voice,” and declared that it’s now time for de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue.

Thomas-Greenfield also stressed that all council members “spoke with one voice to condemn the ongoing violence against peaceful protesters,” adding: “We commend their courage and determination in the face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces. The US will continue to work with a broad coalition of international partners to promote accountability for the coup and those responsible for violence, and will work to restore the democratically-elected government."

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