Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Unite in Calling for 'Restoration of Peace in Myanmar'

1st Anniversary of the Coup Joint Press Conference by the National Assembly and Civil Society

Calls for Ceasefire, Transfer of Power, and Guarantee of Humanitarian Aid

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties and civil society jointly called for the restoration of peace in Myanmar.

Members of the "Parliamentary Group for the Restoration of Peace and Democracy in Myanmar" (co-chairs Seol Hoon, Ha Tae-kyung, Shim Sang-jung) and activists from the "Korean Civil Society Organizations Supporting Myanmar Democracy" (co-executive directors Na Hyun-pil, Kang In-nam) held a press conference on the morning of the 3rd at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, stating, "We must not forget Myanmar if we want to avoid repeating historical misfortunes."

They said, "Although one year has passed since the coup d'?tat, the Myanmar people's aspiration for democratization is being crushed by violence, and the international community continues to respond ineffectively."

They further demanded that the Myanmar coup forces implement the five-point consensus agreed with ASEAN, including the cessation of violence, immediate release of political prisoners, transfer of power, allowance of international relief activities, and ensuring the safety of relief workers.

The Myanmar military staged a coup on February 1 last year, the day elected lawmakers were to convene the parliament, and Myanmar citizens responded with boycotts, strikes, street protests, and armed resistance.

As the coup forces suppressed these actions with force, about 1,500 people have died over the past year, and at the end of last year, they committed inhumane acts such as burning at least 35 civilians alive. More than 300,000 people have been displaced as refugees, and about 14 million people are now in need of humanitarian aid.

Lee Yong-seon, operating committee chairman of the "Parliamentary Group for the Restoration of Peace and Democracy in Myanmar," emphasized, "Although South Korea, ASEAN, the EU, and the UN have sought solidarity and support with Myanmar citizens, it has been insufficient," adding, "At the very least, international relief must be made possible for the Myanmar people suffering from the risk of hunger and fragile quarantine conditions."

Assemblyman Lee Yong-bin stated, "The freedom, human rights, and peace we have achieved through democratic experience were possible because of solidarity from the international community, including civil societies of neighboring countries," and argued, "If we do not let go of the bonds of solidarity and continue our interest, misfortune will not be repeated."

Attorney Kim Ki-nam said, "Korean companies that serve as financial sources or maintain direct business relations with the coup forces, such as POSCO International and Korea Gas Corporation, as well as the National Pension Service investing in these companies, must take appropriate measures to prevent their profits from flowing to the military," adding, "We should use the Myanmar coup as an opportunity for reflection and enhance our society's human rights responsibilities."

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