The UN's new special envoy for Myanmar began meetings with top junta officials on Wednesday but did not respond to questions about whether she would seek to meet ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Noeleen Heyzer's visit to the crisis-wracked country, which began on Tuesday, "will focus on addressing the deteriorating situation and immediate concerns as well as other priority areas of her mandate," the UN has said.

Heyzer did not respond to AFP questions on whether she would meet Suu Kyi on Wednesday as she left her hotel in a motorcade escorted by police and plainclothes security forces.

Suu Kyi, 77, has been detained since the military's coup and on Monday received another prison term in a secretive junta court -- raising her total sentence to 17 years.

Heyzer was set to meet the junta's foreign affairs minister and chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Wednesday, spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a press conference.

"We are hoping to get good results (from the meeting)" he said.

Myanmar has been embroiled in turmoil since the military seized power in February 2021, prompting fierce resistance and spawning informal militias.&nbsp;

Over 2,200 people have been killed and over 15,000 arrested in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis led by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc have made little headway, with the generals refusing to engage with opponents.

Last month the junta triggered renewed international condemnation when it executed Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, for offences under anti-terrorism laws.

Singaporean sociologist Heyzer was appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last year, replacing Swiss diplomat Christine Schraner Burgener.

Schraner Burgener had called for the UN to take "very strong measures" against the military and was the target of regular broadsides in Myanmar's state-backed media.

Military leaders blocked her from visiting the country, where she had hoped to meet with Suu Kyi.

In December state media reported the junta had closed her Myanmar office, saying her work in Myanmar had "concluded".

There have been no reports in state media about whether Heyzer will be allowed to open an office in the country.

Rights groups said they had little optimism her visit would persuade the military to end its bloody crackdown and engage in dialogue with opponents of its coup.

"UN envoys have visited when the military told them to, stayed where the military told them to, met who the military arranged for them to meet and then left when the military told them to," tweeted Mark Farmaner, director of the Burma Campaign UK. 
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The UN's new special envoy for Myanmar began meetings with top junta officials on Wednesday but did not respond to questions about whether she would seek to meet ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The UN's new special envoy for Myanmar began meetings with top junta officials on Wednesday but did not respond to questions about whether she would seek to meet ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Noeleen Heyzer's visit to the crisis-wracked country, which began on Tuesday, "will focus on addressing the deteriorating situation and immediate concerns as well as other priority areas of her mandate," the UN has said. Heyzer did not respond to AFP questions on whether she would meet Suu Kyi on Wednesday as she left her hotel in a motorcade escorted by police and plainclothes security forces. Suu Kyi, 77, has been detained since the military's coup and on Monday received another prison term in a secretive junta court -- raising her total sentence to 17 years. Heyzer was set to meet the junta's foreign affairs minister and chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Wednesday, spokesman Zaw Min Tun told a press conference. "We are hoping to get good results (from the meeting)" he said. Myanmar has been embroiled in turmoil since the military seized power in February 2021, prompting fierce resistance and spawning informal militias. Over 2,200 people have been killed and over 15,000 arrested in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis led by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc have made little headway, with the generals refusing to engage with opponents. Last month the junta triggered renewed international condemnation when it executed Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, for offences under anti-terrorism laws. Singaporean sociologist Heyzer was appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last year, replacing Swiss diplomat Christine Schraner Burgener. Schraner Burgener had called for the UN to take "very strong measures" against the military and was the target of regular broadsides in Myanmar's state-backed media. Military leaders blocked her from visiting the country, where she had hoped to meet with Suu Kyi. In December state media reported the junta had closed her Myanmar office, saying her work in Myanmar had "concluded". There have been no reports in state media about whether Heyzer will be allowed to open an office in the country. Rights groups said they had little optimism her visit would persuade the military to end its bloody crackdown and engage in dialogue with opponents of its coup. "UN envoys have visited when the military told them to, stayed where the military told them to, met who the military arranged for them to meet and then left when the military told them to," tweeted Mark Farmaner, director of the Burma Campaign UK. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United Nations Myanmar envoy begins talks with junta chief 

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people.

The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief.

Here is the interview:

WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your current status in the UK?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting&nbsp;8th April) with P&amp;Is&nbsp;(Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving.

WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I&nbsp;could be still recognised as ambassador.&nbsp;

WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are.&nbsp;

WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;&nbsp;I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing&nbsp;people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;president etc. Some people&nbsp;don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction.

WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think&nbsp;sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime.

WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside.&nbsp;

WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western&nbsp;countries, she is a&nbsp;puppet of UK and USA etc.'

WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;China has a vital role for Myanmar History.&nbsp;We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party.&nbsp; When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with&nbsp;Chinese again.

Chinese used&nbsp;&nbsp;so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk&nbsp;Phyu sea port and gas&nbsp;pipeline from&nbsp;Myanmar to Yunnan&nbsp;province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own&nbsp;people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar.

WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the&nbsp;people who died&nbsp;&nbsp;for democracy.

WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit&nbsp;on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded?

Kyaw Zwar Minn:&nbsp;First of all, I would like to say I support NUG.&nbsp;NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February.

Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy in UK by Myanmar's junta earlier this month. In an exclusive online interview to WION, he shares the prognosis for the crisis created by the military coup in February. He said the country will see a civil war and total destruction if negotiations are not held. Pointing out that China is arming both the military and ethnic armed groups, he said Beijing should ask the junta to stop the violence and killing its own people. The ambassador also expressed support for the newly formed national unity government, saying it should be allowed at the ASEAN summit on the Myanmar crisis on April 24, which is to be attended by the military junta's chief. Here is the interview: WION: As we speak, the brutal crackdown against the coup continues. You were unceremoniously ousted from the embassy. What is your current status in the UK? Kyaw Zwar Minn: UK government allows me to stay here for 31 days (starting 8th April) with P&Is (Privileges and immunities). During the 31 days, I need to keep my stuff and prepare for leaving. WION: Along with the UK, you are also the ambassador to Ireland, Sweden and Denmark. What is currently your diplomatic status in those countries? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I am sure that the military regime already sent official letters to these countries for eliminating my ambassador status.Till now, I don't see any announcements about me from these foreign ministries. I wish I could be still recognised as ambassador. WION: You have said that your friends and relatives at home have been forced into hiding fearing reprisals from the military regime. When did you speak to them last, and could you share with us how they are now? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't want to talk about this.The less I talk, the more safe they are. WION: Since the February 1 coup, more than 3,100 people -- the bulk of them anti-coup protesters and activists -- have been detained. Over 700 people have been killed. How do you plan to continue raising your voice? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I believe that we have only one peaceful resolution, that is at the negotiation table. As I am a diplomat and an ambassador, I would like to see a peaceful resolution. Stop killing people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and president etc. Some people don't agree with my way. They would like to fight back military Regime. If fighting keeps going, we will have "Civil War" and total destruction. WION: The EU, US and Britain have already imposed sanctions on the junta. Do you think that enough is being done to pressurise the regime? Kyaw Zwar Minn: The military regime has been receiving so many sanctions since 1962. They also have a lot of "strongly condemned" messages from the [United Nations] Security Council. They have learnt many many lessons.I don't think sanction is enough but I believe it is one of the tools for pressurising the regime. WION: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a political solution for the crisis. But with leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars and multiple charges slapped on them, do you think a political solution can be found in near future? Kyaw Zwar Minn: I don't think they (regime) are going to step back. But a political solution could be to stop Myanmar people dying inside. WION: The Myanmar military says that the elections were fraudulent and hence it detained the political leadership. In your view, what is the real reason for the actions of the junta? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Well, they would like to purge Daw ASSK from the future of Myanmar political' stage. They have so many reasons and propaganda: 'because she married a British citizen, she is close with Western countries, she is a puppet of UK and USA etc.' WION: How do you view China's role in the Myanmar crisis, as we have seen many Chinese factories being targeted by angry protesters? Kyaw Zwar Minn: China has a vital role for Myanmar History. We had fought three wars with the Chinese in our Kings' era. Our country was affected by Chinese Culture Revolution. Chinese troops supported the Myanmar Communist Party. When China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy began at the end of 1978, the Chinese stopped supporting Myanmar communist party. After that, military regime has good relationship with Chinese again. Chinese used so many vetoes for Myanmar at Security Council and at the same time is selling arms to Myanmar Army as well as to ethnic armed groups, and investing in multi-billion dollar projects including Kyauk Phyu sea port and gas pipeline from Myanmar to Yunnan province. People of Myanmar understand the Chinese and regime are very close and that's why they attacked Chinese infrastructure. The Myanmar issue is very important for Chinese as well. They need to convince the regime to stop violence and stop killing their own people. Otherwise they will face a lose -lose situation in Myanmar. WION: Despite the crackdown, the protests show no sign of ebbing. What have sources from the ground back home told you? What is the mood in Myanmar? Kyaw Zwar Minn: Most of the protesters have no arms. Some created handmade weapons. Even they don't have enough weapons. As you mentioned, there is no sign of ebbing. I always pay my respect for their bravery and salute the people who died for democracy. WION: Now that the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the ASEAN summit on April 24, do you think the regional grouping can play a role in bringing about a solution to the crisis? Also, do you agree that the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) should be allowed to attend the summit talks as it had demanded? Kyaw Zwar Minn: First of all, I would like to say I support NUG. NUG deserves to attend the summit and to be recognised as a legitimate government by a whole world.

WION Exclusive: Myanmar will have civil war if fighting goes on, warns envoy to UK ousted by junta

Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Police and security personnel have started using violent tactics, such as rubber bullets, tear gas to suppress massive anti-junta protests that are being organised in the country for several weeks.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmars-un-ambassador-appeals-for-action-to-stop-coup-366634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The protesters are demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

On Friday, Myanmar's envoy to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun, in an emotional appeal, asked the international community to take "the strongest possible action... to restore democracy".&nbsp;

"This revolution must win," the ambassador said, flashing the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/take-strongest-action-to-end-coup-myanmar-envoy-makes-emotional-plea-in-un-366580">'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN</a>

Myanmar's state television on Saturday announced that the envoy had been fired for betraying the nation.&nbsp;

"(He) didn't follow the order and direction by the state and betrayed the country," as per the MRTV broadcast.&nbsp;

"That is why he is revoked from his position starting from today."

Meanwhile, on Saturday, police continued their crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by carrying out mass arrests and firing rubber bullets on peaceful demonstrators.&nbsp;

In the city of Yangon, police used rubber bullets against the protesters who were gathered in Myaynigone junction.&nbsp;

Demonstrators scattered into residential areas and used makeshift barricades made out of stacked tables and trash cans to negate the police action, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Several people wore hard hats and gas masks to protect themselves from violence.

Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar's military, which has taken control of the administration, has fired its United Nations ambassador on Saturday after he delivered a strong and emotional speech to oust the democratically-elected government and leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Police and security personnel have started using violent tactics, such as rubber bullets, tear gas to suppress massive anti-junta protests that are being organised in the country for several weeks. Watch | The protesters are demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of Suu Kyi. On Friday, Myanmar's envoy to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun, in an emotional appeal, asked the international community to take "the strongest possible action... to restore democracy". "This revolution must win," the ambassador said, flashing the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of freedom and democracy. Also read | 'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN Myanmar's state television on Saturday announced that the envoy had been fired for betraying the nation. "(He) didn't follow the order and direction by the state and betrayed the country," as per the MRTV broadcast. "That is why he is revoked from his position starting from today." Meanwhile, on Saturday, police continued their crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by carrying out mass arrests and firing rubber bullets on peaceful demonstrators. In the city of Yangon, police used rubber bullets against the protesters who were gathered in Myaynigone junction. Demonstrators scattered into residential areas and used makeshift barricades made out of stacked tables and trash cans to negate the police action, news agency AFP reported. Several people wore hard hats and gas masks to protect themselves from violence.

Myanmar military coup: UN envoy who delivered impassioned speech fired

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country.&nbsp;

During the speech, Kyaw Moe Tun's voice trembled as he criticised the military rulers and demanded the restoration of the civilian government in the UN General Assembly.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-protests-from-the-lens-of-citizen-journalists-366430/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rarely envoys in the United Nations speak against the regime they are representing, but Myanmar's ambassador also flashed the three-finger salute that recently has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.&nbsp;

"We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun said.&nbsp;

He also urged all UN member nations to issue statements denouncing the coup during the special meeting on Myanmar. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-civil-servants-strike-makes-it-difficult-for-military-366373">Myanmar: Civil servants' strike makes it difficult for military</a>

"We will continue to fight for a government, which is, of the people by the people, for the people," the ambassador said.

The envoy also pleaded countries to "take all stronger possible measures" on violent action taken by security personnel against peaceful protesters.&nbsp;

The impassioned plea by the envoy was warmly received by the member countries as there was loud applause in the chamber post the speech.&nbsp;

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country.

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations on Friday delivered an emotional speech in which he urged the international community to take the "strongest possible action" to end the military rule in the country. During the speech, Kyaw Moe Tun's voice trembled as he criticised the military rulers and demanded the restoration of the civilian government in the UN General Assembly. Watch | Rarely envoys in the United Nations speak against the regime they are representing, but Myanmar's ambassador also flashed the three-finger salute that recently has become a symbol of freedom and democracy. "We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun said. He also urged all UN member nations to issue statements denouncing the coup during the special meeting on Myanmar. Also read | Myanmar: Civil servants' strike makes it difficult for military "We will continue to fight for a government, which is, of the people by the people, for the people," the ambassador said. The envoy also pleaded countries to "take all stronger possible measures" on violent action taken by security personnel against peaceful protesters. The impassioned plea by the envoy was warmly received by the member countries as there was loud applause in the chamber post the speech.

'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN

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United Nations Myanmar envoy begins talks with junta chief

WION Exclusive: Myanmar will have civil war if fighting goes on, warns envoy to UK ousted by junta

Myanmar military coup: UN envoy who delivered impassioned speech fired

'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN