The head of the Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, meets Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 15 May 2018. REUTERS / Thomas Peter / Pool
Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on his successor to enter into direct talks with Myanmar’s army to prevent an escalation of violence after the coup and said countries in Southeast Asia were not fighting the unrest. as an internal issue for Myanmar should not be rejected.
UN Special Envoy Antonio Guterres on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener has been in talks with the military since ousting an elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, but the military did not allow her to do so. to visit.
“Given the seriousness and urgency of the situation, I believe that the Secretary-General himself should use his good offices to enter into direct talks with the Myanmar army to prevent an increase in violence,” said Ban, Secretary-General Ban. from 2007 to 2016, at a UN Security Council meeting.
Guterres is’ very actively involved ‘in Myanmar and’ has been for a long time ‘, said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, adding:’ His good offices, along with his special envoy, are always available. We all want to put an end to the violence. ‘
Guterres told the Security Council on Monday that a “robust international response based on a united regional effort” was needed, calling on local actors to use their influence to prevent further deterioration and ultimately a peaceful way out. to find this catastrophe. ‘
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with ten members tried to find a way out of the violence that is tearing fellow member Myanmar apart. Min Aung Hlaing, Junta chief, will attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24.
“ASEAN should make it clear to the Myanmar military that the current situation is so serious that it can not only be considered an internal matter,” said Ban, a former South Korean foreign minister who is now a member. was told by world leaders The Elders.
According to the activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 737 people have been killed by security forces since the coup and 3,229 remain in custody.
“The military’s use of lethal force and the gross violations of human rights committed against civilians are not compatible with the ASEAN Charter,” he said. “These actions are manifest violations of international law, and pose a threat to the peace, security and stability of the region.”
Ban also urged the Security Council to go further than ruling on collective action. However, some diplomats say that Russia and China are likely to prevent any stronger action.
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