Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 31st Jan. UNSG António Guterres on Monday called for Member States to urge the military leadership in Myanmar to respect the will and needs of its own people, as risks to regional stability grow.
Mr. Guterres in a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric raised several concerns.
The military overturned and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected civilian Government, including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi past two years ago.
Guterres condemned all forms of violence as the multidimensional crisis in Myanmar continues to deteriorate and fuel serious regional implications.
He hailed the military’s intention to hold elections.
Guterres highlighted intensifying aerial bombardment and burning of civilian houses, along with ongoing arrests, intimidation and harassment of political leaders, civil society actors and journalists.
He said without conditions permitting the people of Myanmar to freely exercise their political rights, “the proposed polls risk exacerbating instability.”
Guterres said that he stand in solidarity with the Burmese people and to support to their democratic aspirations for an inclusive, peaceful and just society, alongside the protection of all communities, including the mainly Muslim Rohingya minority.
He said “the United Nations is committed to staying in Myanmar and addressing the multiple vulnerabilities arising from the military’s actions since February 2021.”
Guterres stressed the need of full and unhindered access to all affected communities and prioritizing the safety and security of UN agencies and humanitarian partners, he added.
He welcomed the 21 December 2022 adoption of Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) as an important step and underlined the urgency for strengthened international unity.
It demands an immediate end to violence, increased restraint on all sides, and the release of those arbitrarily detained.
UN Special Envoy Noeleen Heyzer will coordinate closely with the new Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to engage intensively with all relevant parties in Myanmar to achieve an end to the violence and to support a return to democracy.
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