United Nations Security Council chambers at UN world headquarters in New York

By Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS  –   NEW  YORK  –  The UN Security  Council Wednesday strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protestors, including against women, youth and children, in Myanmar. A statement was issued in the United States’ capacity as President of the UN Security Council.  Protests have broken out all across Myanmar in response to the recent coup. The nation’s  security forces have responded with violence with more than 50 protesters reported to have been killed in the protests so far.

“The Security Council, recalling its Press Statement SC/14430 of 4 February 2021, reiterates its deep concern at developments in Myanmar following the declaration of the state of emergency imposed by the military on 1 February and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. The Security Council reiterates its call for their immediate release.”

-UN Security Council Statement  March 10

The Security Council also expresses deep concern at restrictions on medical personnel, civil society, labor union members, journalists and media workers, and called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily. The Council further calls for the military to exercise utmost restraint and emphasizes that it is following the situation closely.

“The Security Council expresses its continued support for the democratic transition in Myanmar, and stresses the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law. It encourages the pursuance of constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.”

-UN  Security Council statement

The Security Council also reiterated  its support to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar “for her good offices”, encourages the Special Envoy to maintain communication and her efforts to engage intensively with all relevant parties in Myanmar, and to visit Myanmar as soon as possible.

U.S Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield  Speaks on the Adoption of a UN Security Council Presidential Statement on Burma

(credit: unnews)  U.S. Ambassador to the  United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield

“Today, the United States and every other member of the United Nations Security Council spoke with one voice to condemn the ongoing violence against peaceful protestors in Burma. We commend their courage and determination in the face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces. The United States will continue to work with a broad coalition of international partners to promote accountability for the coup and those responsible for violence, and will work to restore the democratically-elected government. Importantly, the Council also addressed shared concerns about how the violence might worsen the plight of internally displaced persons in Burma and Rohingya refugees, and exacerbate existing challenges. The United States will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Burma.”     U.S  Ambassador  Thomas-Greenfield