Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Addresses the Parade Held in Honour of the Graduation Ceremony of 58Th Intake of Defense Services Academy

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Addresses the Parade Held in Honour of the Graduation Ceremony of 58Th Intake of Defense Services Academy 3 December 2016 NATIONAL 9 Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses the Parade held in Honour of the Graduation Ceremony of 58th intake of Defense Services Academy Senior General Min Aung Hlaing receives salute of graduating cadets at Defence Services Academy in PyinOoLwin. PHOTO: C-IN-C’S OFFICE SENIOR General Min Aung Myint Maung, Chief Minister fense Services Academy, foreign is standing firmly on its six-point regulations of the defence services. Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of of Mandalay Region, General ambassadors, diplomats, invited policy on restoring genuine and There is only one army in every the Defense Services addressed Mya Tun Oo , Chief of Gener- guests and parents of the cadets. sustainable peace and it is im- country and the Tatmadaw is per- the parade held in honour of the al Staff(Army, Navy, Air) and Commander-in-Chief of the portant for ethnic armed groups forming its duties of protecting the graduation ceremony of 58th In- wife, Admiral Tin Aung San, Defense Services took the salute, to abide by the provisions of the country. Then the senior general take of Defense Service Acade- Commander-in-Chief(Navy) and inspecting the cadets. Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement received the salute of the gradu- my held at the parade ground in wife, General Khin Aung Myint, Afterward, C-in-C of De- and to sign the truce. Myanmar is ating cadet. Pyin Oo Lwin, at 7:30 am on De- Commander-in-Chief (Air) and fense Service presented awards a country of various national races Later , the senior general met cember 2. wife, high ranking officials from to outstanding cadets. and any youth of the national race with outstanding cadets and their Present at the ceremony Commander-in-Chief(Army) After presenting awards to the are entitled to perform duties of parents at the guest house of the were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife and their wives, Commanders cadets, the senior general made a national defence in the Tatmadaw defence services academy.—My- of the Senior General, Dr Zaw of Commands, Principal of De- speech, saying that the Tatmadaw in accordance with the rules and anmar News Agency Avid Myanmar Travelers can International Law now pay with Mastercard and Experts meet Myanmar Police CB Bank credit for border area As Myanmar continues to see Vice Chairman and CEO of CB management positive economic growth pro- Bank said: “A paperless and cash- jections, its people are increas- less society is an important goal for INTERNATIONAL law experts ingly seeking overseas desti- CB Bank. Although still a work in from the United Nations met with nations. The latest Mastercard progress, we are working hard to Police Major-General Zaw Win research revealed that Myanmar achieve that goal through increased in Nya Pyi Tawon Wednesday at is the fastest growing outbound usage of ATMs, POS terminals Myanmar Police headquarters for travel market in Asia Pacific with and e-commerce capabilities. For a discussion about management a growth projection of 10.6 per starters, we are already seeing a of the affairs of the border area PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR cent for the next five years. great shift from over-the-counter and international law. In light of this, Mastercard withdrawals to ATM withdrawals. The delegation from the Unit- has once again partnered Co-op- And on average, there are 50,000 not too long ago, Myanmar’s signifies a big step towards the ed Nations Office of Drugs & erative Bank Ltd (CB Bank) to transactions being made monthly economic and outbound travel greater development of the elec- Crime was led by Mr. Scott Bea- launch Classic, Gold and Plati- via electronic payment at the point- projections are very encour- tronic payments infrastructure zley. In the meeting, they discussed num Mastercard, which will be of-sale.” aging. To meet the increasing and its also means that consum- matters concerning the Country made available to Myanmar res- Mr. Antonio Corro, country demands for travel, we have ers are able to make more secure Programme for Myanmar 2014- idents and citizens when travel- manager, Thailand & Myanmar, deepened our partnership with and convenient payments for 2017 and the mutual assistance in ling abroad. Mastercard, said: “For a country CB Bank to launch our first their purchases when travelling Criminal Matters Law.—Myanmar Mr. Kyaw Lynn, Executive that had only opened its doors credit card in the country. This abroad.”—GNLM News Agency Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues press release on State Counsellor’s Singapore visit >> From page 1 7. In the evening, the State Counsellor commemoration of the 50th Anniversary to their questions frankly at the Big Box 6. Afterwards, the State Counsellor attended attended the opening ceremony of of the establishment of diplomatic Hall in Jurong East. the luncheon hosted in her honour by “Cities and Kings: Ancient Treasures relations between the two countries. 9. On 2-12-2016, the State Counsellor, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordination from Myanmar” at the Asian Civilization 8. In the evening, the State Counsellor together with Minister for Foreign Minister for National Security HE Mr Museum (ACM) and the State Coulsellor visited the Myanmar Embassy in Affairs HE Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Teo Chee Hean at the Shangri-La Hotel was welcomed there by Prime Minister Singapore and met with staff and visited the Ghim Moh Hawker Centre and in the afternoon, the State Counsellor Mr Lee Hsien Loong and the minister families of the embassy and the Office and Wet Market and attended the and the Delegation visited the Corrupt for Culture, Community and Youth. The of the Military Attaché (Army,Navy, breakfast. At 13:00, the State Counsellor Practices Investigation Bureau and heard museum is displaying cultural artefacts AirForce). She also attended the and the delegation left Changi Airport for clarification on work and procedure of from Pyu Era, Eras of Mon Kings in dinner hosted by the ambassador Yangon International Airport and arrived the bureau before raising questions on lower Myanmar, Bagan Era and the before delivering a speech to Myanmar in Yangon at 15:30 in the evening.— some areas she was interested in. Mandalay Palace until March 2017 in community in Singapore and responding Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recommended publications
  • Letter on Myanmar to ASEAN and ASEAN Dialogue Partners
    Open Letter on Myanmar to ASEAN and ASEAN Dialogue Partners To: ASEAN Leaders H.E. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Prime Minister of Brunei H.E Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia H.E Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia H.E Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos H.E Tan Sri Muhyiddin Haji Mohd Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines H.E Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore H.E Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam CC: ASEAN Dialogue Partners H.E. Will Nankervis, Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN H.E. Diedrah Kelly, Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN H.E. Deng Xijun, Ambassador of China to ASEAN H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN H.E. Shri Jayant N. Khobragade, Ambassador of India to ASEAN H.E. Chiba Akira, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN H.E. Lim Sungnam, Ambassador of Korea to ASEAN H.E. Pam Dunn, Ambassador of New Zealand to ASEAN H.E. Alexander Ivanov, Ambassador of Russia to ASEAN H.E. Melissa A. Brown, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Mission to ASEAN 4 May 2021 Re: ASEAN's Consensus on Myanmar Your Excellencies, It has been just over a week since a Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar was reached at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on 24 April 2021 between all ASEAN leaders and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Although the consensus called for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, there have been at least 18 more killings and 246 more arrests by the junta since.
    [Show full text]
  • Burma Holds Peace Conference
    CRS INSIGHT Burma Holds Peace Conference September 8, 2016 (IN10566) | Related Author Michael F. Martin | Michael F. Martin, Specialist in Asian Affairs ([email protected], 7-2199) In what many observers hope could be a step toward ending Burma's six-decade long, low-grade civil war and establishing a process eventually leading to reconciliation and possibly the formation of a democratic federated state, over 1,400 representatives of ethnic political parties, ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), the government in Naypyitaw and its military (Tatmadaw), and other concerned parties attended a peace conference in Naypyitaw, Burma, on August 31–September 3, 2016. Convened by Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor for the government in Naypyitaw, the conference was called the "21st Century Panglong Peace Conference," a reference to a similar event convened by Aung San Suu Kyi's father, General Aung San, in 1947 that led to the creation of the independent state of Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi stated that she had hoped the conference would be an initial gathering of all concerned parties to share views for the future of a post-conflict Burma. Progress at the conference appeared to be hampered by the Tatmadaw's objection to inviting three EAOs to the conference, and two other ethnic organizations downgrading their participation. In addition, differences over protocol matters during the conference were perceived by some EAO representatives as deliberate disrespect on the part of the organizers. Statements presented by Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and representatives of several EAOs, moreover, indicated a serious gap in their visions of a democratic federated state of Burma and the path to achieving that goal.
    [Show full text]
  • Tatmadaw Has Been Steadfastly Leading Establishment and Development Tasks of the State, Fulfilling the Needs of the Country: Senior General
    PRACTITIONERS’ RESPONSIBILITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES PAGE-8 (OPINION) NATIONAL NATIONAL MoTC Union Minister discusses to MoEA, MoE discuss appointment of resume entire train services ethnic language teachers with more salary PAGE-7 PAGE-11 Vol. VII, No. 344, 14th Waxing of Tabaung 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Friday, 26 March 2021 Tatmadaw has been steadfastly leading establishment and development tasks of the State, fulfilling the needs of the country: Senior General ceremony to unveil statues of sev- the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command en commanders-in-chief and com- and officials. A manders-in-chief of defence ser- In his address, the Senior General said vices (retired) who served at the Myanma perpetuation of a country’s independence Tatmadaw in successive eras took place at and sovereignty absolutely depends on its the booth of the head of the Defence Services armed forces. Long term existence and Museum in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday after- strength of armed forces also rely on con- noon, attended by Chairman of the State Ad- stant maintenance of the fine traditions of ministration Council Commander-in-Chief the Tatmadaw. In looking back more than of Defence Services Senior General Min 1,000 years old Myanmar history, whenev- Aung Hlaing. er the Tatmadaw strengthened, the coun- Also present at the ceremony were try was powerful. The histories distinctly Vice-Chairman of the Council Deputy mentioned that whenever the Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services was weak with disunity, the country was Commander-in-Chief (Army), Vice-Senior in disarray. For Myanmar, anyone cannot General Soe Win, Council member Gen- deny the fact that “only when the Tatmadaw eral Mya Tun Oo, Admiral Tin Aung San, strengthens will the nation be powerful”.
    [Show full text]
  • Myanmar's Democratic Transition: Opportunity for Transitional Justice to Address the Persecution of the Rohingya
    Emory International Law Review Volume 32 Issue 4 2018 Myanmar's Democratic Transition: Opportunity for Transitional Justice to Address the Persecution of the Rohingya Shatti Hoque Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr Recommended Citation Shatti Hoque, Myanmar's Democratic Transition: Opportunity for Transitional Justice to Address the Persecution of the Rohingya, 32 Emory Int'l L. Rev. 551 (2018). Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol32/iss4/3 This Comment is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Emory Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Emory International Law Review by an authorized editor of Emory Law Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HOQUE GALLEYPROOFS 5/15/2018 12:37 PM MYANMAR’S DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION: OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE TO ADDRESS THE PERSECUTION OF THE ROHINGYA INTRODUCTION Myanmar1 elected the National League for Democracy into power in November 2015,2 ushering in its first democratically elected government since 1962.3 The much-awaited political change produced an end to years of economic sanctions;4 the development of new international relations, particularly with the United States;5 and the hope that the former regime’s human rights abuses will be adequately addressed and alleviated.6 Yet, the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim ethnic group residing in Rakhine State in western Myanmar7 and considered the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority,8 continue to face violence that human rights groups say amounts to ethnic cleansing9 and crimes against humanity.10 The Rohingya that have not been 1 This Comment uses Myanmar because it is what the country’s government officially uses.
    [Show full text]
  • MYANMAR DEFENSE COOPERATION to INCREASE ITS INFLUENCE in the INDIAN OCEAN in the CASE of BELT and ROAD INITIATIVE (2013-2017) by Cici Ernasari ID No
    THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHINA’S DEFENSE POLICY IN SINO-MYANMAR DEFENSE COOPERATION TO INCREASE ITS INFLUENCE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN IN THE CASE OF BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE (2013-2017) By Cici Ernasari ID no. 016201400032 A thesis presented to the Faculty of Humanities President University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Bachelor Degree in International Relations Major in Strategic and Defense Studies 2018 i ii iii iv ABSTRACT Cici Ernasari, International Relations 2014, President University Thesis Title: “The Implementation of China’s Defense Policy in Sino-Myanmar Defense Cooperation to Increase Its Influence in the Indian Ocean in the case of Belt and Road Initiative (2013 – 2017)” The rise of China has been a great phenomenon in the world particularly in this 21st century. This rise has led China becomes the world’s second largest economy and also the world’s largest military. This situation however pushed China to fulfill the increasing demand of energy and to seek for the alternative route. By sharing 2,204 kilometers of its border with China and has direct access to the Indian Ocean, Myanmar becomes a land bridge to get the access to Indian Ocean. Myanmar locates on tri-junction Southeast, South and East Asia and very abundance with natural resources. In the name of Pauk-Phaw, China and Myanmar relations has been existing since the ancient times and both countries have maintained substantive relations. In the context of belt and road initiative, China has implemented its defense policy through the economic and military cooperation with Myanmar. This research therefore explains the implementation of China’s defense policy in Sino-Myanmar defense cooperation to strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean in the context of belt and road initiative from 2013 until 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • State Counsellor Meets with Locals in Myawady, Hlaingbwe Townships, Kayin State
    FIRM COMMITMENT KEY TO PROTECT VICTIMS, VULNERABLE MIGRANTS IN IDPS PAGE-8 (OPINION) Vol. VI, No. 315, 4th Waxing of Tabaung 1381 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Wednesday, 26 February 2020 State Counsellor meets with locals in Myawady, Hlaingbwe townships, Kayin State TATE Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, souls. Such practice can start in such a mass gath- in her capacity as the Chairperson of the ering. We should consider not only for the sake of Central Committee for Development of ourselves but also for the sake of others. Only then SBorder Areas and National Races, met can we make progress. with the local people in Myawady and Hlaingbwe If we want to build a qualified country, first we townships in in Kayin State on yesterday. should qualify ourselves. Otherwise, you have not During the visit, she was accompanied by Un- qualified yourselves but if you criticize others for ion Ministers Lt-Gen Soe Htut, Lt-Gen Ye Aung, lacking the qualifications, that would be a verbal act Thura U Aung Ko, Dr Aung Thu, U Ohn Win, Dr of inconsistency. So what I want our people to do Myint Htwe and Dr Win Myat Aye; Deputy Minister everyday is think about our country, what is your U Hla Maw Oo, Chief of Myanmar Police Force contribution towards the benefits of our country, Police Lt-Gen Aung Win Oo and officials. and review over what you have done, what you They left Mawlamyine for Kawkareik Township, need to do. Kayin State, by helicopters in the morning, and Well, some people might respond that we are proceeded to Myawady Township where the State nothing to do with politics.
    [Show full text]
  • Shan – Bamar – Buddhist – Military Officers – Maymyo – 1988 Uprising – SLORC – Courts – Written Notices – Bribery
    Refugee Review Tribunal AUSTRALIA RRT RESEARCH RESPONSE Research Response Number: MMR34750 Country: Myanmar Date: 19 May 2009 Keywords: Burma (Myanmar) – Shan – Bamar – Buddhist – Military officers – Maymyo – 1988 Uprising – SLORC – Courts – Written notices – Bribery This response was prepared by the Research & Information Services Section of the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RRT within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. This research response may not, under any circumstance, be cited in a decision or any other document. Anyone wishing to use this information may only cite the primary source material contained herein. Questions 1. What is the status of the Shan and Bamar ethnic groups? 2. Is being a Buddhist consistent with being a military officer in the late 80’s/early 90’s? 3. Did the uprising in 1988 involve the town of May Myo and did it involve families of the military? 4. What is the SLORC? 5. Do courts, both civil and military issue written notices of charges issued to accused people and are written notices issued in respect of sentences handed down? 6. Do the military release people sentenced for long terms on the basis of being paid bribes? RESPONSE 1. What is the status of the Shan and Bamar ethnic groups? The ‘Burma Human Rights Yearbook 2007’ written by the Human Rights Documentation Unit of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, a government-in-exile outside Burma, indicates that the Shan ethnic group is one of “the eight main ethnic families in Burma.” The yearbook also indicates that the Bamar ethnic minority is on “the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] list of the 134 ‘officially’ recognized ethnic minorities from the eight main ethnic families in Burma.” The Bamar ethnic minority is one of the nine ethnic minorities from the Burman ethnic group.
    [Show full text]
  • Security Integration in Myanmar Past Experiences and Future Visions
    DISCUSSION PAPER Security integration in Myanmar Past experiences and future visions May 2017 Security integration in Myanmar Past experiences and future visions MAY 2017 About the Authors The lead author of this report was Kim Jolliffe, with additional input from John Bainbridge and Ivan Campbell. Kim Jolliffe is an independent researcher, analyst and resource person specialising in security, conflict and international aid in Myanmar. Since 2009, Kim has conducted research on Myanmar’s conflicts, armed actors and security challenges from a variety of angles. He has been working with Saferworld in Myanmar since 2013. John Bainbridge is Saferworld’s Myanmar Country Manager, based in Yangon. Ivan Campbell is a Senior Conflict and Security Adviser with Saferworld, based in London. Acknowledgements The research for this report was conducted by Kim Jolliffe in response to a request from Saferworld’s Myanmar programme. It has been managed and edited by John Bainbridge and Ivan Campbell, who advised on content, co-wrote and contributed to different sections of the paper. The paper also benefited greatly from a review by Martin Smith. Saferworld programme staff in Myanmar, Saw Lin Chel and Khin Thet San, also contributed to conceptualisation of the research, as did Matt Walsh, an independent consultant. The report was copy edited by Jatinder Padda, Ilya Jones and Jessica Summers. It was designed by Jane Stevenson. © Saferworld, May 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without full attribution. Saferworld welcomes and encourages the utilisation and dissemination of the material included in this publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Is the West Driving Myanmar Into the Arms of China? No
    ISPSW Strategy Series: Focus on Defense and International Security Issue Is the West driving Myanmar into the arms of China? No. 542 Dr. Norbert Eschborn und Katharina Münster April 2018 Is the West driving Myanmar into the arms of China? Dr Norbert Eschborn Katharina Münster April 2018 Abstract At the start of the Lunar New Year, the Chinese ambassador in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, sent out invitations for a New Year’s reception. He praised Myanmar for having maintained political stability and making progress in the peace process. He said that China had played a constructive role in the process and would remain a presence.1 The assembled Burmese ministers, regional dignitaries and parliamentarians must have had mixed feelings upon hearing this. For decades, China has been pursuing ambitious goals in Myanmar, not always to the satisfaction of its neighbour. The West’s policy once again risks increasing Myanmar’s dependence on China. About ISPSW The Institute for Strategic, Political, Security and Economic Consultancy (ISPSW) is a private institute for research and consultancy. The ISPSW is an objective, task-oriented and politically non-partisan institute. In the increasingly complex international environment of globalized economic processes and worldwide political, ecological, social and cultural change, which occasions both major opportunities and risks, decision- makers in the economic and political arena depend more than ever before on the advice of highly qualified experts. ISPSW offers a range of services, including strategic analyses, security consultancy, executive coaching and intercultural competency. ISPSW publications examine a wide range of topics connected with politics, the economy, international relations, and security/ defense.
    [Show full text]
  • Burma Coup Watch
    This publication is produced in cooperation with Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN), Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Progressive Voice (PV), US Campaign for Burma (USCB), and Women Peace Network (WPN). BN 2021/2031: 1 Mar 2021 BURMA COUP WATCH: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED TO PREVENT DESTABILIZING VIOLENCE A month after its 1 February 2021 coup, the military junta’s escalation of disproportionate violence and terror tactics, backed by deployment of notorious military units to repress peaceful demonstrations, underlines the urgent need for substantive international action to prevent massive, destabilizing violence. The junta’s refusal to receive UN diplomatic and CONTENTS human rights missions indicates a refusal to consider a peaceful resolution to the crisis and 2 Movement calls for action confrontation sparked by the coup. 2 Coup timeline 3 Illegal even under the 2008 In order to avert worse violence and create the Constitution space for dialogue and negotiations, the 4 Information warfare movement in Burma and their allies urge that: 5 Min Aung Hlaing’s promises o International Financial Institutions (IFIs) 6 Nationwide opposition immediately freeze existing loans, recall prior 6 CDM loans and reassess the post-coup situation; 7 CRPH o Foreign states and bodies enact targeted 7 Junta’s violent crackdown sanctions on the military (Tatmadaw), 8 Brutal LIDs deployed Tatmadaw-affiliated companies and partners, 9 Ongoing armed conflict including a global arms embargo; and 10 New laws, amendments threaten human rights o The UN Security Council immediately send a 11 International condemnation delegation to prevent further violence and 12 Economy destabilized ensure the situation is peacefully resolved.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2021
    FINANCIAL CRIME DIGEST February 2021 Diligent analysis. Powering business.™ aperio-intelligence.com FINANCIAL CRIME DIGEST | FEBRUARY 2021 ISSN: 2632-8364 About Us Founded in 2014, Aperio Intelligence is a specialist, independent corporate intelligence frm, headquartered in London. Collectively our team has decades of experience in undertaking complex investigations and intelligence analysis. We speak over twenty languages in- house, including all major European languages, as well as Russian, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin and Cantonese. We have completed more than 3,000 assignments over the last three years, involving some 150 territories. Our client base includes a broad range of leading international fnancial institutions, law frms and multinationals. Our role is to help identify and understand fnancial crime, contacts, cultivated over decades, who support us regularly integrity and reputational risks, which can arise from a lack in undertaking local enquiries on a confdential and discreet of knowledge of counterparties or local jurisdictions, basis. As a specialist provider of corporate intelligence, we enabling our clients to make better informed decisions. source information and undertake research to the highest legal and ethical standards. Our independence means we Our due diligence practice helps clients comply with anti- avoid potential conficts of interest that can affect larger bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering and other organisations. relevant fnancial crime legislation, such as sanctions compliance, or the evaluation of tax evasion or sanctions We work on a “Client First” basis, founded on a strong risks. Our services support the on-boarding, periodic or commitment to quality control, confdentiality and respect retrospective review of clients or third parties. for time constraints.
    [Show full text]
  • ASEAN's Response to the Military Coup in Myanmar As Civil Society
    Your Excellencies, Re: ASEAN's response to the military coup in Myanmar As civil society organizations from the ASEAN region, we write to you urging you to use your unique position to influence the situation in Myanmar by taking immediate measures to ensure that the military respects people’s right to peaceful protests and to freedom of expression, that democracy is upheld, and the will of the people respected. Following the Myanmar military’s illegal seizure of power on 1 February, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing assumed all legislative, executive, and judicial powers under the newly- established State Administrative Council. A non-violent pro-democracy movement has since grown nationwide, and the Myanmar authorities have responded by cracking down on fundamental freedoms. Hundreds of senior officials from the National League for Democracy (NLD), pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders have been arrested; mobile phone and Internet communications have been heavily restricted; highly repressive legislation, including a draft Cyber Security Bill and revisions to the Penal Code have been adopted; and restrictions on gatherings imposed. The Myanmar security forces have also increasingly responded with force against peaceful protesters, using live munitions, water cannons and deploying armored vehicles in cities. Given the abuses committed in the past by the Myanmar military under the command of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, including international crimes against the Rohingya and in other ethnic minority areas, we are seriously concerned about a potentially violent response from the authorities. We would like to recall to your excellencies the principles of the ASEAN Charter, which includes adhering to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, as well as the respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
    [Show full text]