UN will seek to unite the world, reverse Myanmar coup
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged on Friday that the United Nations will do everything to unite the international community and create conditions for reversing the military coup in Myanmar. He said, "It is absolutely essential to carry out the Security Council's calls for a return to democracy, respect for results of the November parliamentary elections, and release of all people detained by the military."
Security Council stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions
The Security Council stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. It also emphasized the need for continued support to the democratic transition in Myanmar.
UN special envoy expressed strong opposition to the takeover
Guterres said, "Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN special envoy for Myanmar, had the first contact on Friday with the military since the coup and expressed the UN's strong opposition to the takeover." Stephane Dujarric, UN's spokesman said, "Burgener reiterated to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice General Soe Win, the Secretary-General's strong condemnation of the military's action that disrupted the democratic reforms taking place in Myanmar."
Burgener called for the immediate release of all detainees
"Burgener also reiterated her call for the immediate release of all detainees and emphasized the need for progress on the safe and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya refugees," Dujarric said, calling it an important conversation.
Military accused Suu Kyi's government of not investigating voter fraud
Myanmar's military announced on Monday, on the eve of the new Parliament meeting, that it will take power for one year, accusing leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government of not investigating allegations of voter fraud in the November elections, where its party did poorly. It detained Suu Kyi, whose party swept that vote, and other lawmakers, activists, journalists, and members of civil society.
Burgener in contact with the ASEAN
Guterres said, "Schraner Burgener is also in contact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations." ASEAN's members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. On Friday, the leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia expressed concern about the coup and asked ASEAN foreign ministers to hold a special meeting to discuss the issue.
A step backward in Myanmar's democratic transition: Malaysian Prime Minister
"Indonesia and Malaysia take the political situation in Myanmar seriously," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said after meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta. "This is a step backward in Myanmar's democratic transition. We fear the political unrest in Myanmar could disturb the security and stability in this region," he added.
Myanmar has witnessed Rohingya genocide in recent years
More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 2017, when the military launched a clearance operation in response to attacks by a rebel group. The security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings, and the burning of thousands of homes. A year ago, the International Court of Justice ordered Myanmar to prevent genocide against the Rohingya, a Muslim minority.
All ASEAN members must respect the organization's charter: Widodo
Widodo said, "Both countries (Malaysia and Indonesia) remain concerned about the Rohingya issue. All ASEAN members must respect the organization's charter particularly the rule of law, good governance, democracy, human rights, and constitutional government."
Brunei encouraged the pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation
Brunei, which chairs the ASEAN, issued a statement on Monday noting the bloc's principles include the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The statement encouraged the pursuance of dialogue, reconciliation, and the return to normalcy in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.
No mention of whether ASEAN will act to reverse situation
However, the statement by Brunei did not mention any action by ASEAN to take the lead in returning Myanmar to a democratic path. Guterres said, "The UN is also in contact with the 15-member Security Council." "We will do everything to make the international community united in making sure that conditions are created for this coup to be reversed," the Secretary-General said.
