UN Security Council Supports ASEAN's 'Myanmar Violence Halt' Agreement... Urges Implementation of 5 Points

Protesters in Yangon, Myanmar, are giving the three-finger salute as a sign of resistance against the military coup on the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] The United Nations Security Council has expressed support for ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) agreement to 'halt violence' in resolving the Myanmar crisis.

According to the AP News on the 1st, the Security Council emphasized the importance of the ASEAN agreement in its statement and urged the prompt implementation of five items for the peaceful resolution of the situation.

The items were agreed upon by the 10 member countries attending the ASEAN special summit on the 24th of last month. ▲ Immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and restraint from all parties ▲ Constructive dialogue to find a peaceful solution for the people ▲ Mediation of dialogue by the ASEAN Chair and Secretary-General as special envoys ▲ Provision of humanitarian aid ▲ Visit to Myanmar by the special envoys and delegation.

Regarding the current situation, the statement also expressed "serious concern and demands the restoration of democracy and the immediate release of political prisoners." However, due to opposition from permanent members China and Russia, no actions beyond the statement's release have been observed.

The statement was made after a video briefing from Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, the previous day. In the briefing, Special Envoy Burgener appealed, "Despite ASEAN's agreement to halt violence, the military junta continues to suppress civilians," and "As the international community fails to respond collectively, violence in Myanmar is intensifying."

She also reported, "Despite the military's bloody crackdown, arrests, and torture, the resistance movement by democratic forces continues, making the current situation likely to persist."

Special Envoy Burgener is currently staying in Thailand and attempting to enter Myanmar, but the military junta is refusing her entry.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a Myanmar human rights organization, approximately 759 people have died and 3,485 have been detained since the military coup in February.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.