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JAKARTA: While Indonesia’s foreign minister remains “open to the option” of visiting Myanmar, currently “the time is not right,” the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday (February 24).
A leaked Myanmar government document previously cited by Reuters said Retno Marsudi had planned to fly to Myanmar on Thursday in what would have been the first known visit by a foreign envoy since the February 1 coup.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said Retno “is open to the option of visiting Naypyidaw to work on a solution at the regional level, in this case ASEAN (Association of Nations Southeast Asia) “.
“(But) now is not the right time to pay a visit to Myanmar,” the spokesman said.
“Indonesia is committed to making its contribution. Indonesia is also committed to communicating with all parties in Myanmar,” he added.
On Tuesday, Indonesia rejected a Reuters report that suggested an action plan was being prepared to help the Myanmar military fulfill its promise to hold new elections.
The Reuters report, released Monday, quoted officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The report also said that Indonesia’s plan called for ASEAN to facilitate dialogue between the junta and the protesters.
READ: Indonesia dismisses report on action plan to help Myanmar military keep promise of new polls
READ: The wishes of the people of Myanmar must be respected: Indonesian Foreign Minister
Future Nation Alliance, a Myanmar-based activist group, said in a statement that a Retno visit would be “equivalent to recognizing the military junta.”
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Indonesian embassy in Yangon on Tuesday to express their opposition to the election proposal reported by Reuters, while members of the Myanmar Muslim community and other protesters were due to hold another protest on Wednesday.
This week there were large demonstrations on Monday and a general strike to denounce the military coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, despite the authorities’ warning that the confrontation could result in the death of people.
On Tuesday, the gatherings were smaller overall, but a multi-ethnic rally was planned for Wednesday in Mayangone, in the northern part of Yangon’s commercial center.
FILE PHOTO: A protester participates in a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 22, 2021 (Photo: REUTERS / Stringer).
G7 CONVERSE “INTIMIDATION”
The rich nations of the Group of Seven (G7) on Tuesday condemned the intimidation and oppression of those who oppose the coup. “Anyone who responds to peaceful protests with violence must be held accountable,” the group’s foreign ministers said in a joint statement.
The army seized power after alleging fraud in the November 8 elections, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and many of the party’s leaders. The electoral commission dismissed the allegations of fraud.
READ: Myanmar’s junta chief urges economic action as Western pressure mounts
READ: UN Security Council calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmar
The crisis raises the possibility of isolation and nervousness for investors just as the COVID-19 pandemic has undermined consumption and stifled tourism.
Military Chief General Min Aung Hlaing, in a meeting with his ruling council on Monday, called for state spending and imports to be reduced and exports to be increased.
“The council needs to put its energy into reviving the country’s ailing economy. Economic remedial measures must be taken,” state media quoted him as saying.
Min Aung Hlaing did not link the protests directly to economic problems, but said the authorities were following a democratic path to deal with them and that the police were using minimal force, such as rubber bullets, state media reported.
LEE: Protests increase after the Myanmar junta raises the specter of force
The security forces have shown more restraint compared to previous crackdowns on individuals who had promoted democracy during nearly half a century of direct military rule.
Still, three protesters have been shot dead. The army has said that a policeman died from injuries sustained during the protests.
The army has accused the protesters of provoking violence, but UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said the millions who marched Monday in an “impressive” turnout showed they were prepared to face military threats.
Western nations sought to increase pressure on the board this week, and the European Union warned it was considering sanctions that would affect military-owned companies.
The United States imposed sanctions on two more board members and warned it could take more action.
China, Myanmar’s giant neighbor, which has traditionally taken a softer line, said any international action should contribute to stability, promote reconciliation and avoid complicating the situation, media reported.
