Article Author:
Associated Press
Edith M. Lederer
United Nations (AP) — Myanmar's military-installed government head said he would "arrange a meeting with the United Nations at an appropriate time." I have shown my generosity.” The United Nations on Thursday announced Special Envoy Noelene Hayser and former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is in jail in the country.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a meeting Wednesday in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told Hazer that for the time being, "her health and well-being are our priority." We will take steps to protect it," he said.
Myanmar has been plagued by violent unrest since the military overthrew Suu Kyi's elected government last February.
The military takeover prevented Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy from starting its second term, and Suu Kyi was indicted in a series of criminal cases, allegedly politically motivated by the ruling army. widely regarded. She is being held in a prison in Naypyidaw, where the government refuses to let her meet with outsiders.
In the UN envoy's first mission to the conflict-torn country, Hazer called for an urgent end to all violence, an endorsement of the political path towards civil rule and democracy, and the return of Suu Kyi. and meet her.
She also reiterated Secretary-General António Guterres' call for the release of all political prisoners, expressing extreme concern over the humanitarian, security, economic and political crisis in Myanmar. And she has urged her Hlaing to impose a moratorium on future executions, following the recent executions of four of her political activists who drew global condemnation.
In response to a question about what Hayser's visit had achieved, Haq said the "important result" was the "conversation" by the ruling National Executive Council, headed by the Chancellor. We promise to continue,” he said. In response to her proposal for urgently needed humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians,
Haq held a follow-up meeting with the chairman of the Council's All-Border Peace Negotiations Commission. It said it had investigated Heyzer's proposal for a "comprehensive forum for humanitarian engagement". At the meeting, he said, "both sides agreed to work closely with pilots under the role of convening special envoys to explore humanitarian moratoriums and the provision of comprehensive assistance in active conflict areas.
On Hayser's appeal for the release of all children, Haque said, "There is no assurance that no child under the age of 12 will be held in prison or other institution." was given," he said. He also said Heyzer was promised that "the 16-year-old and her 17-year-old would be considered for lesser judgment."
Haq did not mention other issues he raised with Heyzer during the two-day visit. This indicates little or no progress has been made in her call for an urgent end to all violence, including ending airstrikes and burning of homes and civilians. Build infrastructure, restore civil rule, release all political prisoners, and begin taking steps to end executions.
The military takeover was met with massive public opposition and then turned into armed resistance in what some UN experts, including Heyzer's predecessor Christine Schraner Burgener, considered a civil war. Critics of the military accuse it of exercising a wide range of human rights.
Many in the international community, including Myanmar's fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, have expressed frustration at the hardline measures taken by the generals in resisting reforms. Myanmar's military leader agreed in April 2021 to his five-point ASEAN plan to restore peace and stability in the country, including an immediate cessation of violence and dialogue between all parties. However, the military has made little effort to implement the plan.
In a statement upon leaving Myanmar, Hazer said progress in Myanmar hinged on an end to violence and a measurable and significant improvement in people's lives.
