United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged UN member states to strengthen international unity ahead of the second anniversary of the coup d’état in Burma.
«(Guterres) renews his call on neighboring countries and other member states to urge military leaders to respect the will and needs of the people of Burma and adhere to democratic norms,» explained the secretary-general’s spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric.
He expressed his «satisfaction» for the adoption of the first resolution approved in December 2022 by the UN Security Council on the situation in the Asian country, which calls for an end to violence and attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the release of all political prisoners.
«As requested by the Security Council, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy will coordinate closely with the new ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Chair’s Special Envoy to engage intensively with all relevant parties in Burma to bring about an end to the violence and support a return to democracy,» the missive continues.
The UN chief has recalled that the international body «is committed to remain» in the country to «address the multiple vulnerabilities arising from military actions since February 2021,» and has therefore requested — as a matter of priority — «full and unimpeded access to all affected communities.»
«STRONG CONDEMNATION OF ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE».
«This Wednesday marks two years since the Burma Army overthrew and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected civilian government,» lamented Guterres, who «continues to show solidarity with the Burmese people.»
He also «strongly condemned all forms of violence as the multidimensional crisis continues to deteriorate and fuel serious regional implications,» while supporting the «democratic aspirations» of the people for «an inclusive, peaceful and just society, and the protection of all communities, including the Rohingya.
In this regard, Guterres expressed concern «at the stated intention of the armed forces to hold elections amid intensified aerial bombardment and burning of civilian homes, along with continued arrests, intimidation and harassment of political leaders, civil society actors and journalists».
«Without conditions that allow the people of Myanmar to freely exercise their political rights, the proposed elections risk exacerbating instability,» it has denounced, the statement read.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
