Myanmar's military government may move leader Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest. As per local media reports, the move is part of an act of clemency to prisoners in connection with a religious ceremony next week however these reports have not been confirmed by Suu Kyi's lawyers. Her spokesperson says that news of improvements in the conditions are welcome but it does not change your status as a prisoner of conscience.

Myanmar's Military may move Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest

Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility. This was evident at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), held in Jakarta from 11–12 July 2023. While endeavouring to help restore democratic transition and political normalcy in Myanmar, ASEAN has enjoyed international support but has failed in achieving its goal due to the obduracy of Myanmar generals and serious differences within the grouping. What does it signify for regional diplomacy and the future of the strife-torn ASEAN member?

5PC, then impasse

At first, there seemed hope. In April, a few weeks after the coup, when the resistance movement was still non-violent and uncertain, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, the regime’s strong man, flew to Jakarta and accepted the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) formula crafted by ASEAN’s top leaders. Its five elements were: an immediate cessation of all violence, constructive dialogue for a peaceful solution, mediation by a special envoy of ASEAN, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the stipulation that the ASEAN delegation would “meet with all parties concerned.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-in-myanmar-dominates-talks-at-asean-foreign-ministers-meeting-614486">ALSO READ|&nbsp;Crisis in Myanmar dominates talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting</a>

But the situation began to deteriorate, with the authorities unleashing an endless cycle of violence, and the protesters continuing their resistance. ASEAN ran into a wall of non-cooperation. The military regime resiled from the 5PC, rejecting national dialogue with the opposition forces, and branding them as terrorists. The opposition returned the compliment and opposed reconciliation with the junta, except on its own terms. There were serious difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to much of the country. The UN/ASEAN demand for releasing political prisoners such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also rejected. Despite efforts by three annual chairs of ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia – it was clear that the mediation had failed. 
&nbsp; 
ASEAN barred Myanmar from attending its political level meetings (of foreign ministers and heads of state and government), leaving an empty seat, thereby symbolizing that while the nation retained its membership of ASEAN, its present government was not welcome to participate in discussions.

Thailand’s unilateralism

In recent months, ASEAN’s work has become complicated with Thailand, a member state, conducting its unilateral policy towards Myanmar. As an immediate neighbour, Thailand, argued its government, has had to face multiple challenges. The refugee influx into border towns from Myanmar and a sharp increase in drug and human trafficking and cross-border crime were reported. Regular bilateral trade was disrupted due to violent clashes in eastern Myanmar. All this necessitated Thailand to adopt a more pragmatic opening and nurturing of ties with Myanmar’s military government. It has helped that the Thai government has enjoyed a long-held relationship with Myanmar’s generals.

In recent weeks, the Thai government convened meetings of the representatives of Myanmar, Laos, &nbsp;Cambodia and Vietnam, and later under the Track 1.5 Track format, with these and other neighbouring countries including India, China and Bangladesh. The objective was to craft a modus vivendi with the military regime, without paying too much attention to the views of the opposition operating under the flag of the unrecognized National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. These discussions were clearly in defiance of ASEAN’s official line.

Thai diplomacy reached a significant milestone when, in appreciation of its labours, the Myanmar junta allowed Don Pramudwinai, the Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister, to have an informal meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 9 July. She has been in custody since the 2021 coup and was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment. Pramudwinai claimed that Suu Kyi favoured dialogue with the military, implying that the latter was either unaware or indifferent to the NUG line of rejecting any discussions with the military. The Thai dignitary took the message to the ASEAN FMM, causing embarrassment to the Indonesian chair, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirming that the ASEAN now had two policy lines &nbsp;– one favoured by the grouping and the other pursued by Thailand and its supporters.

Balancing in Jakarta

In this context, the joint communique of the FMM merits close scrutiny. Four key points are noteworthy. First, it stressed that the 5PC remained ASEAN’s “main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar.” Second, it expressed appreciation for Indonesia as chair, which intensified engagement with all stakeholders in Myanmar in order to arrange “an inclusive dialogue” for “a comprehensive political solution.” Third, the foreign ministers were briefed by Thailand “on its recent activities &nbsp;on Myanmar, which several ASEAN Member States viewed as a positive development.” This was a clear confirmation of the schism within ASEAN. Yet, the communique went on to add, “We reaffirmed ASEAN unity and reiterated that any effort should support, in line with 5PC and in coordination with the Chair of ASEAN.”&nbsp;

Finally, the FMM called for “continued support of the External Partners” including the UN and neighbouring countries of Myanmar (which includes India), “to work with ASEAN for concrete implementation of 5PC.” Whether Thailand’s unilateral activities and diplomacy will continue for long remains to be seen. The present government is on its way out, following the recent elections and the complexion of the next government and its Myanmar policy are yet to be made visible. 
&nbsp; 
India’s approach

How has India been handling the Myanmar file, particularly given the disunity in ASEAN? India has correctly and consistently supported ASEAN centrality and 5PC. But New Delhi has also demonstrated an understanding of the Thai approach. India participated in the Track 1.5 Track dialogue in Bangkok and hosted its next session in Delhi. Like Thailand, India has vital national interests at stake, which are jeopardized by instability in Myanmar. The adverse impact is more acute following the recent ethnic clashes in Manipur.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting in Jakarta and related regional conferences. Thereafter, he proceeded to Bangkok for other meetings, including the BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting. On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Myanmar took place where both sides shared their perspectives and concerns. This was the first political-level interaction since the coup. It reflected the urgency for India to seek Myanmar’s cooperation on a range of security and development issues. Significantly, &nbsp;it also indicated an assessment in New Delhi that the tide of pragmatic diplomacy was turning in favour of the military government.

What next?

The next ASEAN summit is in September, in Indonesia. The two months leading up to it may witness an intensification of Myanmar-centred diplomacy. Only if ASEAN and the major neighbours are united and the Myanmar military shows flexibility, can a breakthrough materialize. Otherwise, ‘the sick man of Southeast Asia’ will continue to cause hardships to its people and serious anxiety to the region.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
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Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility.

Nearly 30 months after the military coup derailed Myanmar’s experiment with limited democracy in February 2021, that nation continues to pose a serious challenge to ASEAN’s unity, centrality and credibility. This was evident at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), held in Jakarta from 11–12 July 2023. While endeavouring to help restore democratic transition and political normalcy in Myanmar, ASEAN has enjoyed international support but has failed in achieving its goal due to the obduracy of Myanmar generals and serious differences within the grouping. What does it signify for regional diplomacy and the future of the strife-torn ASEAN member? 5PC, then impasse At first, there seemed hope. In April, a few weeks after the coup, when the resistance movement was still non-violent and uncertain, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, the regime’s strong man, flew to Jakarta and accepted the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) formula crafted by ASEAN’s top leaders. Its five elements were: an immediate cessation of all violence, constructive dialogue for a peaceful solution, mediation by a special envoy of ASEAN, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the stipulation that the ASEAN delegation would “meet with all parties concerned.” ALSO READ| Crisis in Myanmar dominates talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting But the situation began to deteriorate, with the authorities unleashing an endless cycle of violence, and the protesters continuing their resistance. ASEAN ran into a wall of non-cooperation. The military regime resiled from the 5PC, rejecting national dialogue with the opposition forces, and branding them as terrorists. The opposition returned the compliment and opposed reconciliation with the junta, except on its own terms. There were serious difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance to much of the country. The UN/ASEAN demand for releasing political prisoners such as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was also rejected. Despite efforts by three annual chairs of ASEAN – Brunei, Cambodia and Indonesia – it was clear that the mediation had failed. ASEAN barred Myanmar from attending its political level meetings (of foreign ministers and heads of state and government), leaving an empty seat, thereby symbolizing that while the nation retained its membership of ASEAN, its present government was not welcome to participate in discussions. Thailand’s unilateralism In recent months, ASEAN’s work has become complicated with Thailand, a member state, conducting its unilateral policy towards Myanmar. As an immediate neighbour, Thailand, argued its government, has had to face multiple challenges. The refugee influx into border towns from Myanmar and a sharp increase in drug and human trafficking and cross-border crime were reported. Regular bilateral trade was disrupted due to violent clashes in eastern Myanmar. All this necessitated Thailand to adopt a more pragmatic opening and nurturing of ties with Myanmar’s military government. It has helped that the Thai government has enjoyed a long-held relationship with Myanmar’s generals. In recent weeks, the Thai government convened meetings of the representatives of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and later under the Track 1.5 Track format, with these and other neighbouring countries including India, China and Bangladesh. The objective was to craft a modus vivendi with the military regime, without paying too much attention to the views of the opposition operating under the flag of the unrecognized National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. These discussions were clearly in defiance of ASEAN’s official line. Thai diplomacy reached a significant milestone when, in appreciation of its labours, the Myanmar junta allowed Don Pramudwinai, the Thai deputy prime minister and foreign minister, to have an informal meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 9 July. She has been in custody since the 2021 coup and was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment. Pramudwinai claimed that Suu Kyi favoured dialogue with the military, implying that the latter was either unaware or indifferent to the NUG line of rejecting any discussions with the military. The Thai dignitary took the message to the ASEAN FMM, causing embarrassment to the Indonesian chair, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and confirming that the ASEAN now had two policy lines – one favoured by the grouping and the other pursued by Thailand and its supporters. Balancing in Jakarta In this context, the joint communique of the FMM merits close scrutiny. Four key points are noteworthy. First, it stressed that the 5PC remained ASEAN’s “main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar.” Second, it expressed appreciation for Indonesia as chair, which intensified engagement with all stakeholders in Myanmar in order to arrange “an inclusive dialogue” for “a comprehensive political solution.” Third, the foreign ministers were briefed by Thailand “on its recent activities on Myanmar, which several ASEAN Member States viewed as a positive development.” This was a clear confirmation of the schism within ASEAN. Yet, the communique went on to add, “We reaffirmed ASEAN unity and reiterated that any effort should support, in line with 5PC and in coordination with the Chair of ASEAN.” Finally, the FMM called for “continued support of the External Partners” including the UN and neighbouring countries of Myanmar (which includes India), “to work with ASEAN for concrete implementation of 5PC.” Whether Thailand’s unilateral activities and diplomacy will continue for long remains to be seen. The present government is on its way out, following the recent elections and the complexion of the next government and its Myanmar policy are yet to be made visible. India’s approach How has India been handling the Myanmar file, particularly given the disunity in ASEAN? India has correctly and consistently supported ASEAN centrality and 5PC. But New Delhi has also demonstrated an understanding of the Thai approach. India participated in the Track 1.5 Track dialogue in Bangkok and hosted its next session in Delhi. Like Thailand, India has vital national interests at stake, which are jeopardized by instability in Myanmar. The adverse impact is more acute following the recent ethnic clashes in Manipur. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting in Jakarta and related regional conferences. Thereafter, he proceeded to Bangkok for other meetings, including the BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting. On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Myanmar took place where both sides shared their perspectives and concerns. This was the first political-level interaction since the coup. It reflected the urgency for India to seek Myanmar’s cooperation on a range of security and development issues. Significantly, it also indicated an assessment in New Delhi that the tide of pragmatic diplomacy was turning in favour of the military government. What next? The next ASEAN summit is in September, in Indonesia. The two months leading up to it may witness an intensification of Myanmar-centred diplomacy. Only if ASEAN and the major neighbours are united and the Myanmar military shows flexibility, can a breakthrough materialize. Otherwise, ‘the sick man of Southeast Asia’ will continue to cause hardships to its people and serious anxiety to the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Myanmar: An empty seat, ASEAN schism and India’s choices

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met his Myanmar counterpart Than Swe on Sunday and discussed initiatives that can be taken in order to enhance the connectivity between the two countries. Their discussions centred around the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, further underlining the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the border areas.

Jaishankar, who had arrived in Bangkok from Indonesia on Saturday, also met Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

He said that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway had been a "very difficult project" because of the situation in Myanmar and that it was the government's priority to find ways to resume it.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "Met H.E. U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok today. Our discussions focused on connectivity initiatives that have a larger regional significance. These will also be discussed at the MGC meeting this afternoon. Stressed the importance of expediting projects that have faced challenges in the recent past, especially the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. Underlined the importance of ensuring peace and stability in our border areas. These have been seriously disturbed recently and any actions that aggravate the situation should be avoided."&nbsp;

He met the Myanmar Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism meeting.

MGC is one of the oldest mechanisms of the lower Mekong region and is guided by India's Act East Policy.

He further said that the issues related to human and drug trafficking were also raised in the meeting.

"Flagged concerns about human and drug trafficking. Urged stronger cooperation among relevant parties for the early return of trafficked victims. As an immediate neighbor, India is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Proposed people-centric initiatives aimed to address the pressing challenges. India supports the democratic transition process in Myanmar and highlights the need for return of peace and stability. We will closely coordinate our policy with ASEAN in this regard," he further added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Met H.E. U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok today. 
 
Our discussions focused on connectivity initiatives that have a larger regional significance. These will also be discussed at the MGC meeting this afternoon. Stressed the… <a href="https://t.co/vaOoa0RAFL">pic.twitter.com/vaOoa0RAFL</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1680434567633838080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Approximately 1,300 km long highways are currently in the works and once constructed will enhance trade ties between Myanmar and Thailand.

After the meeting, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Myanmar also released a statement saying that during the meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister, the Union Minister discussed&nbsp;the Myanmar Government’s efforts to ensure peace, prosperity and democracy in line with the Five-Point Roadmap and latest developments of Myanmar.&nbsp;

"They also cordially exchanged views on matters pertaining to the promotion of longstanding friendly bilateral relations between the two countries and the expansion of mutually beneficially cooperation in the areas, among others, border area development and security, connectivity as well as closer collaboration in the regional and international fora including the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the BIMSTEC," the statement read.

After meeting Than Swe, Jaishankar met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai.

"Continuing our conversations from Jakarta. Pleased to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai of Thailand today. Look forward to the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting this afternoon," Jaishankar tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met his Myanmar counterpart Than Swe on Sunday and discussed initiatives that can be taken in order to enhance the connectivity between the two countries.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met his Myanmar counterpart Than Swe on Sunday and discussed initiatives that can be taken in order to enhance the connectivity between the two countries. Their discussions centred around the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, further underlining the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the border areas. Jaishankar, who had arrived in Bangkok from Indonesia on Saturday, also met Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. He said that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway had been a "very difficult project" because of the situation in Myanmar and that it was the government's priority to find ways to resume it. Taking to Twitter, he said, "Met H.E. U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok today. Our discussions focused on connectivity initiatives that have a larger regional significance. These will also be discussed at the MGC meeting this afternoon. Stressed the importance of expediting projects that have faced challenges in the recent past, especially the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. Underlined the importance of ensuring peace and stability in our border areas. These have been seriously disturbed recently and any actions that aggravate the situation should be avoided." He met the Myanmar Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism meeting. MGC is one of the oldest mechanisms of the lower Mekong region and is guided by India's Act East Policy. He further said that the issues related to human and drug trafficking were also raised in the meeting. "Flagged concerns about human and drug trafficking. Urged stronger cooperation among relevant parties for the early return of trafficked victims. As an immediate neighbor, India is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Proposed people-centric initiatives aimed to address the pressing challenges. India supports the democratic transition process in Myanmar and highlights the need for return of peace and stability. We will closely coordinate our policy with ASEAN in this regard," he further added. Met H.E. U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting in Bangkok today. Our discussions focused on connectivity initiatives that have a larger regional significance. These will also be discussed at the MGC meeting this afternoon. Stressed the… pic.twitter.com/vaOoa0RAFL — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 16, 2023 × Approximately 1,300 km long highways are currently in the works and once constructed will enhance trade ties between Myanmar and Thailand. After the meeting, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Myanmar also released a statement saying that during the meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister, the Union Minister discussed the Myanmar Government’s efforts to ensure peace, prosperity and democracy in line with the Five-Point Roadmap and latest developments of Myanmar. "They also cordially exchanged views on matters pertaining to the promotion of longstanding friendly bilateral relations between the two countries and the expansion of mutually beneficially cooperation in the areas, among others, border area development and security, connectivity as well as closer collaboration in the regional and international fora including the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the BIMSTEC," the statement read. After meeting Than Swe, Jaishankar met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai. "Continuing our conversations from Jakarta. Pleased to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai of Thailand today. Look forward to the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting this afternoon," Jaishankar tweeted. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Jaishankar meets Myanmar counterpart, discusses India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Myanmar state of emergency | Russia, US face-off over cluster bombs

Myanmar's junta chief hinted the military may further extend a state of emergency and delay promised elections in comments published Friday, saying greater efforts were needed to end unrest.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian pariah nation has been ravaged by deadly violence since a coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago, unleashing a bloody crackdown on dissent.

Thousands of civilians have been killed and injured as the junta battles a clutch of new and established rebel groups opposed to military rule.&nbsp;

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's administration has extended the state of emergency it imposed during the coup multiple times after giving acknowledgements of continuing unrest.&nbsp;

On Thursday, he told a meeting of senior officials that "events of terrorism declined but continued to occur" in Myanmar, in reference to ongoing attacks by anti-coup resistance forces.

"Many requirements can be seen in implementation of fully emphasizing the security, peace and stability and rule of law," he said, according to a Friday military statement outlining the meeting.

More than 782 people had been killed in hundreds of "terror acts" since the start of the year, he added, without giving further details.&nbsp;

Myanmar's military-drafted 2008 constitution, which the junta has said is still in force, requires authorities to hold fresh elections within six months of a state of emergency being lifted.&nbsp;

The junta had promised fresh elections in August of this year but in February it again extended the emergency ordinance, a day after its National Defence and Security Council said the situation in the country had "not returned to normalcy yet".

After her government was deposed, Suu Kyi, 78, was convicted in a series of trials that rights groups slammed as a sham, and sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Thailand's foreign minister said Wednesday that he met with Suu Kyi last week, her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since the 2021 coup.&nbsp; 
 
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Myanmar's junta chief hinted the military may further extend a state of emergency and delay promised elections in comments published Friday, saying greater efforts were needed to end unrest.

Myanmar's junta chief hinted the military may further extend a state of emergency and delay promised elections in comments published Friday, saying greater efforts were needed to end unrest. The Southeast Asian pariah nation has been ravaged by deadly violence since a coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago, unleashing a bloody crackdown on dissent. Thousands of civilians have been killed and injured as the junta battles a clutch of new and established rebel groups opposed to military rule. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's administration has extended the state of emergency it imposed during the coup multiple times after giving acknowledgements of continuing unrest. On Thursday, he told a meeting of senior officials that "events of terrorism declined but continued to occur" in Myanmar, in reference to ongoing attacks by anti-coup resistance forces. "Many requirements can be seen in implementation of fully emphasizing the security, peace and stability and rule of law," he said, according to a Friday military statement outlining the meeting. More than 782 people had been killed in hundreds of "terror acts" since the start of the year, he added, without giving further details. Myanmar's military-drafted 2008 constitution, which the junta has said is still in force, requires authorities to hold fresh elections within six months of a state of emergency being lifted. The junta had promised fresh elections in August of this year but in February it again extended the emergency ordinance, a day after its National Defence and Security Council said the situation in the country had "not returned to normalcy yet". After her government was deposed, Suu Kyi, 78, was convicted in a series of trials that rights groups slammed as a sham, and sentenced to 33 years in prison. Thailand's foreign minister said Wednesday that he met with Suu Kyi last week, her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since the 2021 coup. 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.

Myanmar junta hints at extending state of emergency, delaying promised elections

The crisis in Myanmar dominated the talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday. As per reports, the regional bloc was divided over how or whether to reengage with the coup-wracked country's ruling junta.

The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting will later be followed by talks with Beijing, Washington and other world powers where top United States diplomat Antony Blinken will strive to push back on China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Myanmar has been marred by violence since a military coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago, prompting a crackdown on conflict.

"The para is still being discussed... member countries are still taking time to propose their submission," a Southeast Asian diplomat said, as per AFP reports.

The diplomat, on condition of anonymity, said that ASEAN members were making "extra efforts" before the meeting, a prelude to a leaders' summit in September, to unite the group around the Myanmar issue, as per AFP reports.

The official was "not too optimistic" that would happen given that a "few members have different perspectives".

Though Myanmar remains an ASEAN member but has been banned from participating in high-level meetings over the junta's failure to enforce a five-point plan that was agreed on two years ago to settle the crisis.

Last month, Thailand hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks", which further deepened the divisions between the ASEAN members.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-across-country-as-netanyahus-sc-bill-gets-initial-nod-614319">Israelis protest across country as Netanyahu’s bill to curb SC powers gets Knesset’s initial nod</a>

Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo told reporters on the meeting's sidelines the Thailand talks would be discussed but members were "going to talk about Myanmar again".

"Yes, we'd like to see it, meaning all ASEAN members," his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai said, without specifying if he meant the junta.

"Our differences should not be an excuse for us to abandon pressing human rights issues in our own region," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in remarks while opening a session,&nbsp;appearing to take aim at divisions within the bloc.

"It is hoped there will be a clearer implementation plan on what ASEAN will do going forward," Lina Alexandra of Jakarta-based think tank,&nbsp;Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP.

An ASEAN-plus-three ministerial meeting with Japan, South Korea and China will take place on Thursday, ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum and an 18-nation East Asia Summit foreign ministers' meeting on Friday, which will also include Washington and Beijing.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the latter.

"We cannot be truly safe with nuclear weapons in our region," Indonesian FM Marsudi told ministers in her opening remarks.&nbsp;

"With nuclear weapons, we are only one miscalculation away from apocalypse and global catastrophe."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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The crisis in Myanmar dominated the talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday. As per reports, the regional bloc was divided over how or whether to reengage with the coup-wracked country's ruling junta.

The crisis in Myanmar dominated the talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday. As per reports, the regional bloc was divided over how or whether to reengage with the coup-wracked country's ruling junta. The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting will later be followed by talks with Beijing, Washington and other world powers where top United States diplomat Antony Blinken will strive to push back on China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. Myanmar has been marred by violence since a military coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago, prompting a crackdown on conflict. "The para is still being discussed... member countries are still taking time to propose their submission," a Southeast Asian diplomat said, as per AFP reports. The diplomat, on condition of anonymity, said that ASEAN members were making "extra efforts" before the meeting, a prelude to a leaders' summit in September, to unite the group around the Myanmar issue, as per AFP reports. The official was "not too optimistic" that would happen given that a "few members have different perspectives". Though Myanmar remains an ASEAN member but has been banned from participating in high-level meetings over the junta's failure to enforce a five-point plan that was agreed on two years ago to settle the crisis. Last month, Thailand hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks", which further deepened the divisions between the ASEAN members. Also read: Israelis protest across country as Netanyahu’s bill to curb SC powers gets Knesset’s initial nod Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo told reporters on the meeting's sidelines the Thailand talks would be discussed but members were "going to talk about Myanmar again". "Yes, we'd like to see it, meaning all ASEAN members," his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai said, without specifying if he meant the junta. "Our differences should not be an excuse for us to abandon pressing human rights issues in our own region," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in remarks while opening a session, appearing to take aim at divisions within the bloc. "It is hoped there will be a clearer implementation plan on what ASEAN will do going forward," Lina Alexandra of Jakarta-based think tank, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP. An ASEAN-plus-three ministerial meeting with Japan, South Korea and China will take place on Thursday, ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum and an 18-nation East Asia Summit foreign ministers' meeting on Friday, which will also include Washington and Beijing. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the latter. "We cannot be truly safe with nuclear weapons in our region," Indonesian FM Marsudi told ministers in her opening remarks. "With nuclear weapons, we are only one miscalculation away from apocalypse and global catastrophe." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Crisis in Myanmar dominates talks at ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting

Thailand's foreign minister said Wednesday he met with ousted Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week and she was in good health in her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since she was detained following a 2021 coup.

Suu Kyi has been seen only once since she was held after the February 1, 2021 putsch -- in grainy state media photos from a bare courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw.

"There was a meeting, she was in good health and it was a good meeting," Don Pramudwinai told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

The coup that overthrew Suu Kyi ended Myanmar's brief democratic experiment and plunged the Southeast Asian nation into a bloody turmoil.

The Nobel laureate, 78, was later hit with a raft of charges and jailed by a junta court for a total of 33 years in trials that rights groups slammed as a sham.

Don confirmed that he met with Suu Kyi on Sunday and that she had called for renewed talks to end the crisis.

"She encouraged dialogue," Don said.

The meeting was private and lasted "over one hour", a spokesperson from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP.

The Philippines' foreign minister said Don briefed ASEAN ministers on his meeting with Suu Kyi but reiterated any independent effort to restart the peace process should be in line with a five-point ASEAN plan agreed two years ago with Myanmar's junta.

"We feel any initiative should be consistent with the five-point consensus. He (Don) just reported on that," Enrique Manalo told reporters.

Also watch |&nbsp;ASEAN Foreign Ministers meet: Myanmar, South China Sea dispute to dominate talks

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-commission-recommends-pm-hopeful-pita-limjaroenrats-suspension-as-mp-614554">Thailand: Election Commission recommends PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat's suspension as MP</a>

<h2>Divided ASEAN&nbsp;</h2>

The junta has rebuffed repeated requests by foreign diplomats to meet Suu Kyi and her lawyers were barred from speaking to the media for much of her trial.

She was transferred from house arrest in Naypyidaw to solitary confinement in prison in June last year.

Manalo said it was "good to hear" that Suu Kyi was in good health because "she used to attend our meetings".

The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting has been dominated by the crisis, which has left the bloc divided about how and whether it should re-engage with Myanmar's junta rulers.

They have been barred from ASEAN's high-level meetings but Thailand hosted the junta's foreign minister last month for controversial "informal talks" that further split the bloc.

ASEAN chair Indonesia and Malaysia did not attend but Cambodia sent a foreign ministry official.

Don said he was advocating for "engagement with the authority in Naypyidaw" to bring an end to the crisis.

"Obviously, we are trying to find a way to settle Myanmar. After two years, there's a development and that should be... positive," he said.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told her counterparts on Wednesday "only a political solution will lead to a durable peace" in Myanmar.

Ministers were still hammering out a joint position on Myanmar on the second day of talks but a joint communique was expected by the end of the day, a Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP.

<h2>One-day visit</h2>

Don "visited here just for a day trip and met with the commander in chief" Min Aung Hlaing, a senior Myanmar military official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"I didn't know about any meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," he said, using a Burmese honorific and without detailing when Don had visited Myanmar.

The military has cited alleged widespread voter fraud during elections in November 2020 as a reason for its coup, which sparked huge protests and a bloody crackdown.

Those polls were won resoundingly by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

International observers said at the time the polls&nbsp;were largely free and fair.

The NLD was devastated by the coup, with many senior members jailed or sent into hiding.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since, with the junta razing villages and conducting mass extrajudicial killings and air strikes on civilians, according to rights groups.

More than one million people have been displaced by fighting between the junta and opponents of the coup, according to the United Nations.

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Thailand's foreign minister said Wednesday he met with ousted Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week and she was in good health in her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since she was detained following a 2021 coup.

Thailand's foreign minister said Wednesday he met with ousted Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week and she was in good health in her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since she was detained following a 2021 coup. Suu Kyi has been seen only once since she was held after the February 1, 2021 putsch -- in grainy state media photos from a bare courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw. "There was a meeting, she was in good health and it was a good meeting," Don Pramudwinai told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The coup that overthrew Suu Kyi ended Myanmar's brief democratic experiment and plunged the Southeast Asian nation into a bloody turmoil. The Nobel laureate, 78, was later hit with a raft of charges and jailed by a junta court for a total of 33 years in trials that rights groups slammed as a sham. Don confirmed that he met with Suu Kyi on Sunday and that she had called for renewed talks to end the crisis. "She encouraged dialogue," Don said. The meeting was private and lasted "over one hour", a spokesperson from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP. The Philippines' foreign minister said Don briefed ASEAN ministers on his meeting with Suu Kyi but reiterated any independent effort to restart the peace process should be in line with a five-point ASEAN plan agreed two years ago with Myanmar's junta. "We feel any initiative should be consistent with the five-point consensus. He (Don) just reported on that," Enrique Manalo told reporters. Also watch | ASEAN Foreign Ministers meet: Myanmar, South China Sea dispute to dominate talks Also read | Thailand: Election Commission recommends PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat's suspension as MP Divided ASEAN The junta has rebuffed repeated requests by foreign diplomats to meet Suu Kyi and her lawyers were barred from speaking to the media for much of her trial. She was transferred from house arrest in Naypyidaw to solitary confinement in prison in June last year. Manalo said it was "good to hear" that Suu Kyi was in good health because "she used to attend our meetings". The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting has been dominated by the crisis, which has left the bloc divided about how and whether it should re-engage with Myanmar's junta rulers. They have been barred from ASEAN's high-level meetings but Thailand hosted the junta's foreign minister last month for controversial "informal talks" that further split the bloc. ASEAN chair Indonesia and Malaysia did not attend but Cambodia sent a foreign ministry official. Don said he was advocating for "engagement with the authority in Naypyidaw" to bring an end to the crisis. "Obviously, we are trying to find a way to settle Myanmar. After two years, there's a development and that should be... positive," he said. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told her counterparts on Wednesday "only a political solution will lead to a durable peace" in Myanmar. Ministers were still hammering out a joint position on Myanmar on the second day of talks but a joint communique was expected by the end of the day, a Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP. One-day visit Don "visited here just for a day trip and met with the commander in chief" Min Aung Hlaing, a senior Myanmar military official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "I didn't know about any meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," he said, using a Burmese honorific and without detailing when Don had visited Myanmar. The military has cited alleged widespread voter fraud during elections in November 2020 as a reason for its coup, which sparked huge protests and a bloody crackdown. Those polls were won resoundingly by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. International observers said at the time the polls were largely free and fair. The NLD was devastated by the coup, with many senior members jailed or sent into hiding. Myanmar has been in turmoil since, with the junta razing villages and conducting mass extrajudicial killings and air strikes on civilians, according to rights groups. More than one million people have been displaced by fighting between the junta and opponents of the coup, according to the United Nations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thai FM holds historic meeting with Myanmar's Suu Kyi, first foreign envoy talks since coup

Thailand's foreign minister has confirmed that he met with Myanmar's jailed former leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi. The foreign minister met Suu Kyi at a prison annexe in the capital city of Naypyidaw. He said that Suu Kyi was in good health and the meeting was in line with ASEAN's plan to achieve peace in Myanmar.

Thai Foreign Minister meets Aung Sang Suu Kyi in jail

The top diplomats of Southeast Asian countries are meeting in the capital, Jakarta, for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meet. The grouping will discuss issues spanning from Myanmar to the South China Sea.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers meet: Myanmar, South China Sea dispute to dominate talks

26th of June marks International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Military Junta of Myanmar marked the occasion by torching almost half a billion dollars worth of seized illegal drugs in the commercial hub of Yangon. Myanmar, along with neighboring Laos and Thailand, forms the golden triangle, which has long been a hotbed of illegal drug production and trafficking. But is the Myanmar Junta really serious about ending the lucrative trade? United Nations reported record seizures of crystal meth last year. Additionally, there has been a revival in opium poppy farming in the chaos unleashed by the military coup in 2021. Some analysts perceive the Myamarie army as "the ultimate protection cartel of the trade".

Is junta serious about ending the lucrative drugs trade?

In Pics | Road trip to Thailand from India? International highway project nears completion

An armed ethnic group has been accused of attacking a vehicle convoy carrying Chinese military personnel, according to the Myanmar junta on Saturday. The Chinese convoy was travelling to a meeting on border security when the alleged attacks took place.&nbsp;

"We can confirm that (Kachin Independence Army) (KIA) members attacked the convoy," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;

The vehicle carrying&nbsp;Chinese military representatives and Myanmar counterparts was on its way to&nbsp;Myitkyina in northern Kachin state when it came under heavy fire. According to the junta, a vehicle, second in line was shot five times but fortunately, no one was wounded or killed.&nbsp;

The rebels (KIA) have denied the claims.&nbsp;"KIA did not attack any&nbsp;convoy," KIA colonel Naw Bu told AFP.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-including-six-children-killed-in-fresh-fighting-between-army-and-resistance-fighters-604760">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar: At least 26, including six children, killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters</a>

<h2>Not the first attack on the Chinese</h2>

Notably, this is not the first time that anti-junta rebels have attacked a Chinese convoy or China-funded projects. In May, days after the Chinese foreign minister visited the war-torn country, another resistance group named Natogyi Guerrilla Force (NGF) attacked the China-built oil and gas pipeline in the Mandalay region.&nbsp;

The 973-km pipeline runs from the Rakhine coast to southern China and was constructed in 2011 and began operations in July 2013. It&nbsp;passes through Magwe, Mandalay regions, and Shan state to China's Yunnan province.

Following the Chinese FM visit, anti-Chinese protests were held across Myanmar with some protesters burning the Chinese flag.&nbsp;

Notably, Beijing is one of the most prominent investors in Myanmar, especially in the mines, oil and gas pipelines, and infrastructure projects, which gives it access to the Indian Ocean.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-abysmal-state-of-armed-conflict-insurgency-chaos-anarchy-details-604681">WATCH |&nbsp;Myanmar: Abysmal state of armed conflict, insurgency, chaos &amp; anarchy | Details</a>

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<h2>Myanmar in perennial chaos</h2>

Since the military removed Myanmar’s democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2021 and overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, the top leader has been forced to change her position on non-violence.

The country's parallel National Unity Government (NUG), formed out of the ashes of NLD, has established the People's Defence Force (PDF) which is responsible for training civilians to fight alongside established ethnic armed groups. Armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin are part of this group.&nbsp;

More than 3,700 people have been killed in the military's crackdown on dissent since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. Meanwhile, more than 23,000 have been arrested during the same period.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An armed ethnic group has been accused of attacking a vehicle convoy carrying Chinese military personnel, according to the Myanmar junta on Saturday. The Chinese convoy was travelling to a meeting on border security when the alleged attacks took place.

An armed ethnic group has been accused of attacking a vehicle convoy carrying Chinese military personnel, according to the Myanmar junta on Saturday. The Chinese convoy was travelling to a meeting on border security when the alleged attacks took place. "We can confirm that (Kachin Independence Army) (KIA) members attacked the convoy," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun was quoted as saying by AFP. The vehicle carrying Chinese military representatives and Myanmar counterparts was on its way to Myitkyina in northern Kachin state when it came under heavy fire. According to the junta, a vehicle, second in line was shot five times but fortunately, no one was wounded or killed. The rebels (KIA) have denied the claims. "KIA did not attack any convoy," KIA colonel Naw Bu told AFP. Also read | Myanmar: At least 26, including six children, killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters Not the first attack on the Chinese Notably, this is not the first time that anti-junta rebels have attacked a Chinese convoy or China-funded projects. In May, days after the Chinese foreign minister visited the war-torn country, another resistance group named Natogyi Guerrilla Force (NGF) attacked the China-built oil and gas pipeline in the Mandalay region. The 973-km pipeline runs from the Rakhine coast to southern China and was constructed in 2011 and began operations in July 2013. It passes through Magwe, Mandalay regions, and Shan state to China's Yunnan province. Following the Chinese FM visit, anti-Chinese protests were held across Myanmar with some protesters burning the Chinese flag. Notably, Beijing is one of the most prominent investors in Myanmar, especially in the mines, oil and gas pipelines, and infrastructure projects, which gives it access to the Indian Ocean. WATCH | Myanmar: Abysmal state of armed conflict, insurgency, chaos & anarchy | Details × Myanmar in perennial chaos Since the military removed Myanmar’s democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2021 and overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, the top leader has been forced to change her position on non-violence. The country's parallel National Unity Government (NUG), formed out of the ashes of NLD, has established the People's Defence Force (PDF) which is responsible for training civilians to fight alongside established ethnic armed groups. Armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin are part of this group. More than 3,700 people have been killed in the military's crackdown on dissent since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. Meanwhile, more than 23,000 have been arrested during the same period. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese military convoy attacked by rebels in Myanmar, claims junta

The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021. The military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military regime then embarked on a crackdown on opponents. The fighting between the two sides has ravaged many parts of the country.

The military "continues to prioritise its aims over all other considerations", UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing.

"Myanmar's overall humanitarian and human rights situation has deteriorated to alarming levels, exacerbated by the military's strategy to prevent life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who desperately need it," added Shamdasani.

"The military has operated as if those providing aid are helping those opposed to their rule, rather than respecting their need for protection and facilitating their access and assistance to the civilian population in a time of crisis".

Shamdasani said restricting aid needed after Cyclone Mocha in May has brought "further suffering and misery".

Intentional obstruction or denial of humanitarian assistance may amount to gross violations of international human rights law, and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

A report on the Myanmar situation has been produced by UN human rights chief Volker Turk.&nbsp;

Turk is due to present the report to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday.

<h2>The situation in Myanmar</h2>

The military junta has killed and injured thousands of civilians as it destroyed goods and infrastructure necessary for survival. This included food, shelter and medical centres.

In the aftermath of the military coup in Myanmar, an estimated 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. Approximately 60,000 civilian structures have reportedly been burned or destroyed.

More than 17.6 million people are in need of some type of humanitarian assistance. This comes to one-third of the overall population.

"Between February 2021 and April 2023, credible sources verified that at least 3,452 persons have died at the hands of the military and its affiliates," the report says.

Furthermore, "21,807 individuals were arrested, and 5,839 convicted without any respect for judicial guarantees. Additionally, 154 have been sentenced to death and four known to be executed".

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through.

The United Nations (UN) said on Friday (June 30) that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar has plunged to 'alarming levels'. The agency blasted Myanmar's ruling military junta for actively preventing life-saving aid from getting through. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021. The military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military regime then embarked on a crackdown on opponents. The fighting between the two sides has ravaged many parts of the country. The military "continues to prioritise its aims over all other considerations", UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a media briefing. "Myanmar's overall humanitarian and human rights situation has deteriorated to alarming levels, exacerbated by the military's strategy to prevent life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who desperately need it," added Shamdasani. "The military has operated as if those providing aid are helping those opposed to their rule, rather than respecting their need for protection and facilitating their access and assistance to the civilian population in a time of crisis". Shamdasani said restricting aid needed after Cyclone Mocha in May has brought "further suffering and misery". Intentional obstruction or denial of humanitarian assistance may amount to gross violations of international human rights law, and serious violations of international humanitarian law. A report on the Myanmar situation has been produced by UN human rights chief Volker Turk. Turk is due to present the report to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday. The situation in Myanmar The military junta has killed and injured thousands of civilians as it destroyed goods and infrastructure necessary for survival. This included food, shelter and medical centres. In the aftermath of the military coup in Myanmar, an estimated 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. Approximately 60,000 civilian structures have reportedly been burned or destroyed. More than 17.6 million people are in need of some type of humanitarian assistance. This comes to one-third of the overall population. "Between February 2021 and April 2023, credible sources verified that at least 3,452 persons have died at the hands of the military and its affiliates," the report says. Furthermore, "21,807 individuals were arrested, and 5,839 convicted without any respect for judicial guarantees. Additionally, 154 have been sentenced to death and four known to be executed". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Human rights situation in Myanmar is 'alarming', says UN

Myanmar marked International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking by burning a pile of illegally trafficked drugs in Yangon on Monday, June 26.

Myanmar torches illegal drugs on World Drug Day

Myanmar marks "International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking"

The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group.

Efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) bloc, which includes Myanmar, to defuse the crisis have faltered and no progress has been made on a five-point peace plan agreed on two years ago.

Tom Andrews, a UN special rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, called for a new course of action and leadership from its fellow ASEAN members.

"I believe that the crisis in Myanmar has reached an important inflexion point and that it is time the international community reassesses its approach to the crisis," he told a press conference in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

He said the current action by the international community and regional bloc ASEAN was "simply not working" to end the crisis.

"A change of course is imperative," he said.

"This change will require vision and leadership, and I believe that Indonesia is positioned to provide that leadership."

ASEAN has become divided over the Myanmar issue, with Thailand defending talks with the junta after inviting its foreign minister Than Shwe to an informal meeting on Monday.

Indonesia and Malaysia – among the junta's harshest critics within the regional bloc – snubbed the meeting.

Myanmar's generals have been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings and Bangkok drew criticism from Singapore over Monday's talks, which warned it was premature to engage the junta at such a high level.

The United Nations says more than one million people have been displaced by violence since the coup.

Fighting between the army and rebel groups in Myanmar has periodically sent thousands of people fleeing across the border into Thailand.

ASEAN's last leaders' summit, held in May, ended without any significant progress.

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The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group.

The world must rethink its approach to solving the crisis in junta-ruled Myanmar because it was not working, a United Nations expert said Wednesday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 2021 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 3,600 civilians killed in the military's crackdown on dissent, according to a monitoring group. Efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) bloc, which includes Myanmar, to defuse the crisis have faltered and no progress has been made on a five-point peace plan agreed on two years ago. Tom Andrews, a UN special rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, called for a new course of action and leadership from its fellow ASEAN members. "I believe that the crisis in Myanmar has reached an important inflexion point and that it is time the international community reassesses its approach to the crisis," he told a press conference in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. He said the current action by the international community and regional bloc ASEAN was "simply not working" to end the crisis. "A change of course is imperative," he said. "This change will require vision and leadership, and I believe that Indonesia is positioned to provide that leadership." ASEAN has become divided over the Myanmar issue, with Thailand defending talks with the junta after inviting its foreign minister Than Shwe to an informal meeting on Monday. Indonesia and Malaysia – among the junta's harshest critics within the regional bloc – snubbed the meeting. Myanmar's generals have been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings and Bangkok drew criticism from Singapore over Monday's talks, which warned it was premature to engage the junta at such a high level. The United Nations says more than one million people have been displaced by violence since the coup. Fighting between the army and rebel groups in Myanmar has periodically sent thousands of people fleeing across the border into Thailand. ASEAN's last leaders' summit, held in May, ended without any significant progress. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN expert calls for new approach to Myanmar crisis

Key ASEAN members have decided to stay away from a meeting being hosted by Thailand over the invitation being hosted Thailand extended by the host nation to Myanmar's ruling Junta, according to reports while Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore outrightly rejected the possibility of joining the meet.

Thailand invites ASEAN Foreign Ministers including Myanmar official for talks | World News | WION

Fierce fighting between Myanmar’s army & resistance fighters has reportedly killed at least 26 civilians, including 6 kids, in an area east of the capital. The fighting took place in Shan state’s Pekon township. It is a hotly contested area in the armed struggle that arose in 2021, when the army seized power from the elected govt of Aung San Suu Kyi. The 2021 army takeover prompted widespread public protests.

Myanmar: Abysmal state of armed conflict, insurgency, chaos & anarchy | Details

At least 26 civilians, including six children, have been killed as a result of the recent fighting between Myanmar's army and local militant groups. The recent round of fighting has taken place in Mobye, a cluster of villages, located about 100 kilometres east of the capital, Naypyitaw.

At least 26 civilians, including six children, have been killed as a result of the recent fighting between Myanmar's army and local militant groups. The recent round of fighting has taken place in Mobye, a cluster of villages, located about 100 kilometres east of the capital, Naypyitaw. The area is between the capital city and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group which is currently fighting against the military. Since the military removed Myanmar’s democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2021 and overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi, the top leader has been forced to change her position on non-violence. The country's parallel National Unity Government (NUG), formed out of the ashes of NLD, has established the People's Defence Force (PDF) which is responsible for training civilians to fight alongside established ethnic armed groups. Armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin are part of this group. Last month, over 100 soldiers marched into one of Mobye's villages and arrested about 100 residents, most of whom were released after being detained for a few days in the Buddhist monasteries. WATCH | Myanmar: Abysmal state of armed conflict, insurgency, chaos & anarchy | Details × Villagers killed by army However, some villagers who opted to hide in their homes to avoid arrest were perused and later shot at point-blank by the army. According to one of the villagers, as quoted by the Associated Press, those hidden were among the 26 people killed. They were either shot dead in their homes or when they went out onto the street. Three local armed resistance groups have also blamed the army for the killings. The Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian organisation, also corroborated the claims made by the villager and said they had tallied the death count to 26. PDF and ethnic groups have been regularly attacking military bases and outposts in the region. Experts believe that the massacre ordered by the army was a way to send a message to the resistance groups to curb their violence. On Wednesday, a report published by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo stated that more than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup. Also read | 6,000 Myanmar civilians killed in 20 months post coup: Report More than 23,000 people have been arrested by the junta since the coup in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Myanmar: At least 26, including six children, killed in fresh fighting between army and resistance fighters

The latest survey highlighted that around 6,000 civilians lost their lives in a duration of 20 months since the onset of the Myanmar coup in February of 2021. According to the report published by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, the human death toll of the conflict is higher than the previous report citing the Junta as the main killer but also accusing the anti-junta too for having a lot of blood in their hands.

Report: Over 6,000 civilians lost their lives during Myanmar coup

More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

"Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement.

The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February&nbsp;2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured.

That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations.

According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups.

Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors.

"This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said.

"The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported".

Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government.

Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog.

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More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said. "Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement. The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February 2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured. That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations. According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups. Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors. "This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said. "The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported". Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government. Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

6,000 Myanmar civilians killed in 20 months post coup: Report

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday (June 7) that lawyers defending political detainees in Myanmar military junta-run courts are facing harassment and are even being jailed by military authorities. HRW warned that intimidation was forcing many lawyers to stop taking cases.

The military junta toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years ago. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military junta has arrested tens of thousands in a crackdown on dissent within the country.

Rights groups allege that the authorities have used courts to throttle opponents. These include Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar's former president win Myint. Both of them were jailed for lengthy terms by closed-door courts.

HRW said in a report that defence lawyers, who are defending political detainees, are working in "special courts" set up by the military junta. These lawyers, says the report, are facing harassment and are even being threatened by the authorities. The report is based on interviews with 19 lawyers.

"In the courtroom, I now have to worry about not getting myself detained rather than speaking the truth," one Yangon-based lawyer told the watchdog.

"Everyone at the court knows who I am... The junta can detain me at any time, and they can and will make up any reasons they want."

<h2>Lawyer given 15-year jail term</h2>

HRW mentioned the case of attorney Ywet Nu Aung. She was reportedly detained as she left a court hearing. She was representing a former chief minister and member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).

It was alleged that Ywet Nu Aung was helping to provide money to anti-junta militias. She was later sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour.

Human Rights Watch said that lawyers are regularly barred from talking with clients in private before hearings. Moreover, in an overcrowded legal system, some lawyers had taken on hundreds of cases.

"Sometimes cross-examination doesn't even happen," another lawyer told HRW.

"It's near impossible to challenge what they (the prosecution) present as evidence, and we never get to have a defendant released on bail." 
 
All 19 lawyers told HRW they had experienced "intimidation and surveillance by junta authorities".&nbsp;

"Few have been willing to put themselves at risk of further surveillance and intimidation and many have stopped taking cases," HRW said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-special-envoy-for-myanmar-to-resign-says-un-chief-spokesman-598932">United Nations special envoy for Myanmar to resign, says UN chief spokesman&nbsp;</a> 
 
More than 23,000 people have been arrested by the junta since the coup in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Last year, a junta-controlled court ordered the execution of a former NLD lawmaker along with a prominent activist over allegations of "terrorism" — Myanmar's first use of capital punishment in decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday (June 7) that lawyers defending political detainees in Myanmar military junta-run courts are facing harassment and are even being jailed by military authorities.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday (June 7) that lawyers defending political detainees in Myanmar military junta-run courts are facing harassment and are even being jailed by military authorities. HRW warned that intimidation was forcing many lawyers to stop taking cases. The military junta toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi more than two years ago. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military junta has arrested tens of thousands in a crackdown on dissent within the country. Rights groups allege that the authorities have used courts to throttle opponents. These include Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar's former president win Myint. Both of them were jailed for lengthy terms by closed-door courts. HRW said in a report that defence lawyers, who are defending political detainees, are working in "special courts" set up by the military junta. These lawyers, says the report, are facing harassment and are even being threatened by the authorities. The report is based on interviews with 19 lawyers. "In the courtroom, I now have to worry about not getting myself detained rather than speaking the truth," one Yangon-based lawyer told the watchdog. "Everyone at the court knows who I am... The junta can detain me at any time, and they can and will make up any reasons they want." Lawyer given 15-year jail term HRW mentioned the case of attorney Ywet Nu Aung. She was reportedly detained as she left a court hearing. She was representing a former chief minister and member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). It was alleged that Ywet Nu Aung was helping to provide money to anti-junta militias. She was later sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour. Human Rights Watch said that lawyers are regularly barred from talking with clients in private before hearings. Moreover, in an overcrowded legal system, some lawyers had taken on hundreds of cases. "Sometimes cross-examination doesn't even happen," another lawyer told HRW. "It's near impossible to challenge what they (the prosecution) present as evidence, and we never get to have a defendant released on bail." All 19 lawyers told HRW they had experienced "intimidation and surveillance by junta authorities". "Few have been willing to put themselves at risk of further surveillance and intimidation and many have stopped taking cases," HRW said. Also Read | United Nations special envoy for Myanmar to resign, says UN chief spokesman More than 23,000 people have been arrested by the junta since the coup in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group. Last year, a junta-controlled court ordered the execution of a former NLD lawmaker along with a prominent activist over allegations of "terrorism" — Myanmar's first use of capital punishment in decades. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Myanmar junta intimidating lawyers who represent opponents: Report

Myanmar actress and singer Lily Naing Kyaw died in a hospital a week after being allegedly shot by gunmen in the head for supporting the military junta. The 58-year-old was seen as close to military leaders who seized power in a coup in 2021. Kyaw was also accused of being their informant, as per BBC reports.

The two alleged attackers accused of killing her have been arrested by the police.

They are said to be from an urban guerrilla group that opposes the military. Within hours of their arrest, two relatives of one of the alleged assailants were killed in apparent retribution, reported BBC.

The incident of Kyaw's killing is the latest in a series of assassinations of high-profile government supporters in the country.

Tint Lwin, a well-known nationalist and pro-military champion, was fatally shot in the head in Yangon. This was just four days before Kyaw was attacked.

Kyaw was targeted by the attackers on May 30 in the evening. The reports of her being shot came up after an image&nbsp;of her face lying down in her car went viral on social media.

She was taken to hospital in critical condition and remained in a coma until she died early on June 6.&nbsp;

A statement issued by the government called the attack an "inhumane shooting of an innocent woman".

Seventeen pro-junta organisations released statements denouncing the killing. Ma Ba Tha, a hard-line nationalist Buddhist organisation, demanded better security.

Two men accused of the shooting, who were said to be the members of Special Task Force, were arrested.

One of them, named Kaung Zar Ni Hein, was identified from CCTV footage. The other attacker has been named Kyaw Thura. Both of them are in custody awaiting trial.

The military has claimed that prominent student leader D Nyein Lynn was behind the shooting.

On the night the two attackers were arrested, the mother and cousin of Kaung Zar Ni Hein, were fatally shot at their home in Yangon. His younger brother and younger sister managed to escape - the security forces are "protecting them from gunmen", BBC quoted a pro-military channel as saying.

However, there is no independent confirmation of the report and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Myanmar actress and singer Lily Naing Kyaw died in a hospital a week after being allegedly shot by gunmen in the head for supporting the military junta. The 58-year-old was seen as close to military leaders who seized power in a coup in 2021.

Myanmar actress and singer Lily Naing Kyaw died in a hospital a week after being allegedly shot by gunmen in the head for supporting the military junta. The 58-year-old was seen as close to military leaders who seized power in a coup in 2021. Kyaw was also accused of being their informant, as per BBC reports. The two alleged attackers accused of killing her have been arrested by the police. They are said to be from an urban guerrilla group that opposes the military. Within hours of their arrest, two relatives of one of the alleged assailants were killed in apparent retribution, reported BBC. The incident of Kyaw's killing is the latest in a series of assassinations of high-profile government supporters in the country. Tint Lwin, a well-known nationalist and pro-military champion, was fatally shot in the head in Yangon. This was just four days before Kyaw was attacked. Kyaw was targeted by the attackers on May 30 in the evening. The reports of her being shot came up after an image of her face lying down in her car went viral on social media. She was taken to hospital in critical condition and remained in a coma until she died early on June 6. A statement issued by the government called the attack an "inhumane shooting of an innocent woman". Seventeen pro-junta organisations released statements denouncing the killing. Ma Ba Tha, a hard-line nationalist Buddhist organisation, demanded better security. Two men accused of the shooting, who were said to be the members of Special Task Force, were arrested. One of them, named Kaung Zar Ni Hein, was identified from CCTV footage. The other attacker has been named Kyaw Thura. Both of them are in custody awaiting trial. The military has claimed that prominent student leader D Nyein Lynn was behind the shooting. On the night the two attackers were arrested, the mother and cousin of Kaung Zar Ni Hein, were fatally shot at their home in Yangon. His younger brother and younger sister managed to escape - the security forces are "protecting them from gunmen", BBC quoted a pro-military channel as saying. However, there is no independent confirmation of the report and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Myanmar pro-junta actress-singer Lily Naing Kyaw dies after being shot in the head

The Russia-Ukraine war shows no prospect of ending soon. Both nations are waging a brutal war of attrition against each other. Modern weapons & ammunition are being fired to destroy the enemy's strongpoint. While Ukraine is getting military aid from the West, Russia is likely to suffer from an ammunition shortage.

Why is Russia 'buying back' arms parts exported to India & Myanmar?

Thailand has cut electricity supplies to a Myanmar border township home to a billion-dollar Chinese-backed development that analysts say is a front for illegal gambling and online scam operations.

Thai authorities halted the power to Shwe Kokko in Myanmar's Karen state from midnight Monday-Tuesday, police chief of Maesod district Monsak Kaew-on told AFP.

The electricity was cut after a contract for the Thai side to supply the town ended without the Myanmar junta renewing it, he added.

Many areas along Myanmar's lawless eastern border are awash with Chinese investment, including in casinos, mines and logging.

The sprawling Shwe Kokko complex houses hotels and casinos targeting Chinese customers and is run by the Border Guard Force (BGF), a military-aligned ethnic militia.

A spokesman for the BGF could not be reached for comment by AFP.

Shwe Kokko's main backer is a Chinese national named She Zhijiang, according to a 2020 report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

His Hong Kong-registered company Yatai has portrayed the $15 billion project as part of Beijing's "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative, but the Chinese government has denied any link.

The project was characterised by land-grabbing and an influx of Chinese nationals fleeing a crackdown on organised crime in Cambodia, according to the USIP report. These groups later set up casinos and money-laundering institutions, it said.&nbsp;

In August last year Thai authorities detained She for allegedly running an illegal online casino.

He had been on the run from Chinese authorities since 2012, according to Chinese media.

Myanmar's junta has not commented on the cutting of electricity to the town.

Power outages are common in Myanmar due to a creaky and outdated electricity grid, with demand regularly outstripping supply during the sweltering summer months.

On May 31 the junta-appointed home minister met China's ambassador to Myanmar, state media reported.

They discussed "online fraud and gambling on the Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thailand borders", and "enhancement of cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes", according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.

Karen state has been riven by conflict since Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948, with ethnic rebels fighting the military and each other. 
 
&nbsp;

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Thailand has cut electricity supplies to a Myanmar border township home to a billion-dollar Chinese-backed development that analysts say is a front for illegal gambling and online scam operations.

Thailand has cut electricity supplies to a Myanmar border township home to a billion-dollar Chinese-backed development that analysts say is a front for illegal gambling and online scam operations. Thai authorities halted the power to Shwe Kokko in Myanmar's Karen state from midnight Monday-Tuesday, police chief of Maesod district Monsak Kaew-on told AFP. The electricity was cut after a contract for the Thai side to supply the town ended without the Myanmar junta renewing it, he added. Many areas along Myanmar's lawless eastern border are awash with Chinese investment, including in casinos, mines and logging. The sprawling Shwe Kokko complex houses hotels and casinos targeting Chinese customers and is run by the Border Guard Force (BGF), a military-aligned ethnic militia. A spokesman for the BGF could not be reached for comment by AFP. Shwe Kokko's main backer is a Chinese national named She Zhijiang, according to a 2020 report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). His Hong Kong-registered company Yatai has portrayed the $15 billion project as part of Beijing's "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative, but the Chinese government has denied any link. The project was characterised by land-grabbing and an influx of Chinese nationals fleeing a crackdown on organised crime in Cambodia, according to the USIP report. These groups later set up casinos and money-laundering institutions, it said. In August last year Thai authorities detained She for allegedly running an illegal online casino. He had been on the run from Chinese authorities since 2012, according to Chinese media. Myanmar's junta has not commented on the cutting of electricity to the town. Power outages are common in Myanmar due to a creaky and outdated electricity grid, with demand regularly outstripping supply during the sweltering summer months. On May 31 the junta-appointed home minister met China's ambassador to Myanmar, state media reported. They discussed "online fraud and gambling on the Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thailand borders", and "enhancement of cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes", according to the Global New Light of Myanmar. Karen state has been riven by conflict since Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948, with ethnic rebels fighting the military and each other. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thailand cuts power to Chinese-backed den of illegal gambling, online scams in Myanmar

The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure. During this time, she was criticised by Myanmar's military junta and its opponents. In Myanmar, the military had toppled civilian government and seized power in February 2021. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military coup ended a brief democratic experiment and sparked clashes with ethnic rebel groups and anti-coup fighters.

Noeleen Heyzer, who was named envoy by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October 2021, "will conclude her assignment on 12 June" when her contract ends, Stephane Dujarric said.&nbsp;

Guterres "is thankful to Ms. Heyzer for her tireless efforts on behalf of peace and the people of Myanmar," the spokesman said, adding a new envoy would be appointed.&nbsp;

Heyzer is a Singaporean sociologist, she was tasked with urging the military junta to enter into dialogue with its opponents and for ending a bloody crackdown it launched after coming to power.

In August last year, she visited Myanmar and met military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top officials. This was criticised by rights group as they said that such visits lent legitimacy to the generals.

But she was denied a meeting with detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and later irked junta officials who accused her of issuing a "one-sided statement" of what had been discussed.&nbsp;

Later, she vowed not to visit the country unless she was allowed to meet Suu Kyi.

Aung San Suu Kyi has now been jailed for a total of 33 years by a closed-door junta court.

The military junta finds support from major allies like Russia and China. The strong support has emboldened the generals to rebuff attempts to start a dialogue with their opponents.

The junta blocked a visit by former UN special envoy Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat. Myanmar's state-backed media made Burgener target of their criticism.

Cambodian Foreign Minister and ASEAN envoy for Myanmar Prak Sokhonn visited Myanmar twice but both times the military denied him visits with Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

More than 3,500 people have been killed in the military's crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

More than one million people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations.  &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure.

The United Nations special envoy for Myanmar is going to step down this month, reported AFP citing spokesman for the UN chief. The special envoy will step down after 18-month tenure. During this time, she was criticised by Myanmar's military junta and its opponents. In Myanmar, the military had toppled civilian government and seized power in February 2021. The country has been in turmoil ever since. The military coup ended a brief democratic experiment and sparked clashes with ethnic rebel groups and anti-coup fighters. Noeleen Heyzer, who was named envoy by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in October 2021, "will conclude her assignment on 12 June" when her contract ends, Stephane Dujarric said. Guterres "is thankful to Ms. Heyzer for her tireless efforts on behalf of peace and the people of Myanmar," the spokesman said, adding a new envoy would be appointed. Heyzer is a Singaporean sociologist, she was tasked with urging the military junta to enter into dialogue with its opponents and for ending a bloody crackdown it launched after coming to power. In August last year, she visited Myanmar and met military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top officials. This was criticised by rights group as they said that such visits lent legitimacy to the generals. But she was denied a meeting with detained democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi and later irked junta officials who accused her of issuing a "one-sided statement" of what had been discussed. Later, she vowed not to visit the country unless she was allowed to meet Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi has now been jailed for a total of 33 years by a closed-door junta court. The military junta finds support from major allies like Russia and China. The strong support has emboldened the generals to rebuff attempts to start a dialogue with their opponents. The junta blocked a visit by former UN special envoy Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat. Myanmar's state-backed media made Burgener target of their criticism. Cambodian Foreign Minister and ASEAN envoy for Myanmar Prak Sokhonn visited Myanmar twice but both times the military denied him visits with Suu Kyi. More than 3,500 people have been killed in the military's crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. More than one million people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations.   (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

United Nations special envoy for Myanmar to resign, says UN chief spokesman 

A team from Myanmar's government was in a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh's border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning. The visit was part of a repatriation scheme where Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking to return around 1100 Rohingyas to Myanmar in the coming weeks. Bangladesh is home to about a million Rohingyas most of whom fled a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar.

UN: Conditions are not right for Rohingyas return from Bangladesh to Myanmar

A delegation from the Myanmar government on Thursday landed in Bangladesh, embarking on a promising pilot scheme aimed at repatriating approximately 1,200 Rohingya refugees out of the estimated one million currently seeking shelter. Watch to know more in this guest interview with Thai journalist, Annie Zaman.

Bangladesh's Frustration: Plans to Repatriate 1,100 Rohingyas to Myanmar

A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in&nbsp;ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military. The crackdown is now in focus of United Nations genocide investigation. A number of previous attempts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed. Now, Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking at returning around 1100 Rohingyas to the violence-hit state of Rakhine in Myanmar in coming weeks.&nbsp;

This month, twenty Rohingyas visited two resettlement camps in Rakhine. Myanmar's military junta is planning to resettle the Rohingyas here. The land, according to some experts, has belonged to Rohingya for generations before it was confiscated.&nbsp;

Watch | Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation

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The team of 14 Myanmar officials, all in civilian clothes, arrived by boat in the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning, went to the camps and talked to around 200 people.

<h2>Not everyone's happy</h2>

But Mohammad Selim, one of the Rohingya who met the Myanmar delegation, told AFP by phone that their demands were being ignored.

"We said that we have to return to our own ancestral house... We told them they should give us citizenship. But they said they will give us NVC (national verification card), which is not citizenship," Selim said.

"They repeatedly said so. There is no way we can trust them."

"We have no permanent representative in this repatriation process," Khin Maung, a prominent Rohingya leader, told AFP before the meeting.

"This repatriation process is just an eyewash. If they didn't ensure our dignity, there is no point returning to IDPs (internally displaced people)," he said.

AFP quoted another Rohingya Muslim individual who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The person said that they did not want to go &nbsp;back to Myanmar "as non-citizens and stay in IDP camps"

"Our place should be given back to us, our right to live like other ethnic groups should be legally guaranteed. Otherwise, we cannot believe the mass murderers," they said.

Mainul Kabir, head of the Rohingya wing in Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told reporters Thursday that repatriation was "the only way to solve the Rohingya issue".

He said the Myanmar delegation "assured that the confusions that are being created will be resolved gradually".

Human Rights Watch criticised the repatriation plan last week. It said that it posed "grave risks" to the Rohingya.

"Bangladesh is frustrated with its burden as host, but sending refugees back to the control of a ruthless Myanmar junta will just be setting the stage for the next devastating exodus," the group said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military.

A team from Myanmar government, on Thursday (May 25) visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh as part of a repatriation scheme that has been mooted. These refugees are stuck in ramshackle camps in southeastern Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled a crackdown by Myanmar military. The crackdown is now in focus of United Nations genocide investigation. A number of previous attempts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed. Now, Bangladesh and Myanmar are looking at returning around 1100 Rohingyas to the violence-hit state of Rakhine in Myanmar in coming weeks. This month, twenty Rohingyas visited two resettlement camps in Rakhine. Myanmar's military junta is planning to resettle the Rohingyas here. The land, according to some experts, has belonged to Rohingya for generations before it was confiscated. Watch | Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation × The team of 14 Myanmar officials, all in civilian clothes, arrived by boat in the Bangladeshi border town of Teknaf on Thursday morning, went to the camps and talked to around 200 people. Not everyone's happy But Mohammad Selim, one of the Rohingya who met the Myanmar delegation, told AFP by phone that their demands were being ignored. "We said that we have to return to our own ancestral house... We told them they should give us citizenship. But they said they will give us NVC (national verification card), which is not citizenship," Selim said. "They repeatedly said so. There is no way we can trust them." "We have no permanent representative in this repatriation process," Khin Maung, a prominent Rohingya leader, told AFP before the meeting. "This repatriation process is just an eyewash. If they didn't ensure our dignity, there is no point returning to IDPs (internally displaced people)," he said. AFP quoted another Rohingya Muslim individual who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The person said that they did not want to go back to Myanmar "as non-citizens and stay in IDP camps" "Our place should be given back to us, our right to live like other ethnic groups should be legally guaranteed. Otherwise, we cannot believe the mass murderers," they said. Mainul Kabir, head of the Rohingya wing in Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told reporters Thursday that repatriation was "the only way to solve the Rohingya issue". He said the Myanmar delegation "assured that the confusions that are being created will be resolved gradually". Human Rights Watch criticised the repatriation plan last week. It said that it posed "grave risks" to the Rohingya. "Bangladesh is frustrated with its burden as host, but sending refugees back to the control of a ruthless Myanmar junta will just be setting the stage for the next devastating exodus," the group said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Myanmar officials visit Rohingya camps in Bangladesh over repatriation plan

A delegation from the Myanmar government on Thursday landed in Bangladesh, embarking on a promising pilot scheme aimed at repatriating approximately 1,200 Rohingya refugees out of the estimated one million currently seeking shelter.

Myanmar envoy visits Rohingya camps, paving way for repatriation

India launched ‘Operation Karuna’ to assist Myanmar which has been devastated by Cyclone Mocha. Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon on Thursday and a fourth ship would be reached on Friday, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Twitter.

India launches ‘Operation Karuna’ to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar

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