UN Chief strongly condemns detention of political leaders, switch of powers to navy in Myanmar

Image Source : AP UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
The high United Nations management has strongly condemned the detention of Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and different political leaders, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over the switch of powers to the navy, calling it a severe blow to democratic reforms within the nation.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the detention of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar’s new Parliament,” an announcement issued by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, mentioned on Sunday.
Guterres expressed his grave concern concerning the declaration of the switch of all legislative, government and judicial powers to the navy and mentioned these developments symbolize a severe blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar.
According to media reviews, an announcer on Myanmar’s military-owned Myawaddy TV declared on Monday morning that the navy had taken management of the nation for one yr.
Myanmar’s chief Suu Kyi and different senior figures from the ruling celebration have been detained in an early morning raid, the spokesman for the governing National League for Democracy (NLD) was quoted as saying within the media.
Guterres underscored that the November 8, 2020 basic elections present a robust mandate to the NLD, reflecting the “clear will” of the individuals of Myanmar to proceed on the hard-won path of democratic reform.
The new parliament was scheduled to convene on Monday.
The Secretary-General urged the navy management to respect the need of the individuals of Myanmar and cling to democratic norms, with any variations to be resolved by peaceable dialogue.

“All leaders must act in the greater interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engaging in meaningful dialogue, refraining from violence and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he mentioned.
Guterres reaffirmed the “unwavering” assist of the United Nations to the individuals of Myanmar of their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of legislation.
President of the UN General Assembly Volkan Bozkir mentioned in a tweet that he’s deeply involved about developments in Myanmar and referred to as for the rapid launch of detained political leaders.
“Attempts to undermine #democracy & rule of legislation are unacceptable. Military leaders should adhere to democratic norms and respect public establishments & civilian authority,” he mentioned.
Last week, Dujarric had mentioned that the UN Secretary-General was following with “nice concern” latest developments in Myanmar and Guterres had urged all actors to “desist from any form of incitement or provocation, demonstrate leadership, and to adhere to democratic norms” and respect the end result of the November basic election.
“All electoral disputes should be resolved through established legal mechanisms,” the UN chief had mentioned.
Tensions have been rising following the outcomes of the November 2020 basic election, wherein San Suu Kyi-led NLD claimed an awesome victory.
However, different political events disputed the outcomes, alleging the polls have been marred by irregularities. 
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