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SINGAPORE – The release of Myanmar’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi is key to achieving a “long-term peaceful political solution” to the country’s current unrest, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said. in Parliament on Monday (March 1).
“We call on all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions and negotiations in good faith, to seek a long-term peaceful political solution for national reconciliation, including (returning to) the path of democratic transition.
“And we believe that this can only begin if President Win Myint, State Councilor and Chancellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees are immediately released,” Dr. Balakrishnan said during the Foreign Ministry Supply Committee debate. .
Myanmar has faced weeks of protests, which have grown increasingly deadly, since the country’s military toppled the elected civilian government in a coup on February 1. The military explained that the inauguration was a reaction to the government’s inaction over allegations of widespread electoral fraud in last year’s national elections.
According to a UN human rights envoy, at least 18 people were killed and 30 injured in protests in various cities on Sunday, the highest death toll in a single day so far, while some 1,000 people are believed to have been. detained.
In his speech, Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated that stopping all acts of violence and the use of deadly force must be an “immediate priority”.
“Yesterday there was a significant escalation of violence in the cities of Myanmar. The security forces fired at civilians with live bullets, rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. There were many deaths and injuries. We are dismayed by the use of deadly force against civilians, “he said.
“We strongly reiterate that the use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable in all circumstances. We urge the Myanmar military authorities to exercise the utmost restraint, desist from the use of deadly force and take immediate steps to alleviate the situation. more violence, bloodshed and deaths, “added Dr. Balakrishnan.
Asean’s role
Dr Balakrishnan added that the prolonged instability in Myanmar would also have “serious consequences” for Asean and the region. He noted that despite Asean’s policy of consensus and non-interference, the 10-member grouping can still facilitate a “return to normalcy and stability” in Myanmar.
“This was the reason why Singapore strongly supported Asean’s efforts (to resolve the Myanmar crisis) from the beginning … We believe in good faith engagement and dialogue with all relevant stakeholders,” said the Dr. Balakrishnan.
He added that a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers will be held on Tuesday by videoconference to hear from a representative of the Myanmar military authorities.
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