Myanmar military releases senior officials

Commander in Chief of the ArmyMyanmarMin Aung Hlaing held his first Cabinet meeting since the military detained several government officials, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. Speaking at the meeting, he said the military would control the country until a new government is formed after the upcoming election. During the country's one-year state of emergency, elections and dealing with Covid-19 will be the country's top priorities.

The Myanmar military also took steps on February 2 that were seen as helping to calm the situation, with regional media reporting that the military had released several regional and state governors it had detained a day earlier. In a statement, the Myanmar military said internet services had been restored and banking services were operating as normal.

The developments in Myanmar are receiving special attention from international public opinion. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting in Myanmar on February 2 to discuss the situation in this Southeast Asian country. However, the countries were unable to issue a joint statement drafted by the UK emphasizing the early restoration of democracy in Myanmar, because there was not enough support from the 15 member countries of the Security Council.

British Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward, who is also President of the UN Security Council for February, called for consensus to resolve the situation in Myanmar.

“There is concern in the international community about the situation in Myanmar. We welcome the role of regional partners, including ASEAN, in resolving this crisis. The UN Security Council will continue to discuss the next steps. I hope we will reach consensus and I will provide information on progress on this issue soon,” Ms. Woodward stressed.

Previously, ASEAN countries also issued a statement emphasizing the bloc's principles including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, respect and protection of human rights and freedoms. The statement called on parties in Myanmar to "pursue dialogue and reconciliation, in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar".

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, an ASEAN member state, yesterday expressed hope that the situation in Myanmar would be resolved peacefully for the benefit of the people, and called on the media not to further escalate the tension.

“I want all media to be cautious in reporting on the situation in Myanmar. I do not want this to affect Myanmar’s economic and social interests. Because this is also an ASEAN issue and we do not want tensions to increase in this country,” Prime Minister Prayut said.

Many countries are also considering measures to respond to the developments in Myanmar. The US State Department said yesterday that it would review foreign aid to Myanmar, while the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the parties in Myanmar will reach a peaceful solution to the current political crisis, through resuming political dialogue and maintaining the country's sustainable socio-economic development. The World Bank (WB) expressed concern about the current situation in Myanmar and is ready to support the country to achieve sustainable growth as well as increase the participation of all sectors of society. The World Bank affirmed that it remains committed to achieving these goals and always supports the people of Myanmar./.