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Myanmar junta won't allow ASEAN envoy to meet Suu Kyi
A delay in the United Nations approving the military government's UN ambassador nomination was politically motivated, spokesman Zaw Min Tun added, saying the UN and other countries and organisations "should avoid double standards when they are engaging in international affairs".
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This screengrab provided via AFPTV and taken from a broadcast by Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) in Myanmar on March 23, 2021 shows junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun speaking during a news conference held by the military government in Naypyidaw, following widespread protests in the country after the February 1 military coup. (AFP/Handout)
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span class="highlight" data-qa-component="highlight-text">Myanmar's ruling military has not blocked a special Southeast Asian envoy from visiting the country but will not allow him to meet detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, because she is charged with crimes, the junta's spokesman said.
A delay in the United Nations approving the military government's UN ambassador nomination was politically motivated, spokesman Zaw Min Tun added, saying the UN and other countries and organisations "should avoid double standards when they are engaging in international affairs".
The spokesman's remarks, issued by the military in a summary dated Wednesday, come as international pressure builds on the junta to implement a five-point peace plan its top general Min Aung Hlaing agreed to in April with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Myanmar has been in political and economic paralysis since the military's Feb. 1 coup, which triggered an outpouring of anger and protest that has not abated, with some civilians forming militias to take on the powerful army.
The junta's inaction on the ASEAN plan was "tantamount to backtracking" and some member countries were "deep in discussions" about excluding Min Aung Hlaing from a summit this month, Erywan Yusof, the bloc's special envoy, said last week.
Erywan earlier this week said he was in consultations with parties in Myanmar, does not take sides or political positions and looks forward to a visit.
The junta spokesman also insisted Myanmar's judicial system was fair and independent would handle Aung San Suu Kyi's case accordingly, adding the chief justice was appointed by the previous government.
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to meet on Friday to discuss an upcoming regional leaders' summit, during which the possible exclusion of Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will be discussed, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting.
The meeting will be held virtually on Friday and hosted by ASEAN chair Brunei, said the sources based in ASEAN member countries, which included a diplomat and a government official.
