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SINGAPORE: Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday (March 1) called on the Myanmar military to halt the use of lethal force against civilians and the immediate release of State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees. politicians.
At least 18 people were killed on Sunday, the United Nations human rights office said, as Myanmar authorities cracked down on protests against the military coup.
During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Supply Committee discussion, Dr. Balakrishnan said the recent events in Myanmar are of “great concern” to Singapore and the larger family of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN ).
“The immediate priority is to stop all acts of violence and the use of deadly force, and to step back from a rapidly deteriorating situation,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.
He highlighted a “significant escalation of violence” in Myanmar cities on Sunday.
“The security forces fired at civilians with live bullets, rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas. There were many deaths and injuries,” said the foreign minister.
READ: Myanmar protesters march again after bloodiest post-coup riots
“We are shocked at the use of lethal force against civilians,” said Dr. Balakrishnan, adding his condolences to the families of those who died.
Singapore “strongly reiterates” that the use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is “inexcusable in all circumstances,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.
“We call on the Myanmar military authorities to exercise the utmost restraint, to desist from the use of deadly force and to take immediate steps to reduce the situation in order to prevent further bloodshed, violence and death,” he added.
READ: Singapore seriously concerned by developments in Myanmar, closely following the situation: MFA
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The prolonged instability in Myanmar would have “serious consequences” for the country, ASEAN and the entire region, he said.
He called on all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions and negotiations “in good faith” and to seek long-term peaceful political solutions to “achieve national reconciliation, including … the way back to the path of reconciliation. democratic transition “.
“We believe this can only begin if President Win Myint, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and the other political detainees are immediately released,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.
THE ROLE OF ASEAN
Despite ASEAN’s basic principles of consensus and non-interference, it can still play a constructive role in facilitating a return to normalcy and stability in Myanmar, said Dr. Balakrishnan.
“This was the reason why Singapore strongly supported ASEAN’s efforts from the beginning, including the statement by the ASEAN president,” he said.
“We believe in good faith engagement and dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.”
READ: Comment: ASEAN can do better in Myanmar this time
A special meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers will be convened on Tuesday by videoconference to hear from a representative of the Myanmar military authorities.
Dr Balakrishnan also said that ASEAN will work closely with its external partners to foster an inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders.
“We must ensure that the mutually beneficial relations that ASEAN and our partners have established are not paralyzed by this issue,” he said.
