Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week.

The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger"

He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup.

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square. Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week. The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger" He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge. The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope backs Myanmar bishops' appeal for humanitarian corridor

Anti-coup protesters in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;donned flowers in their hair Saturday to mark the birthday of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest and is due to face court again next week.

Suu Kyi's elected government was overthrown in a February 1 coup that sparked mass protests and renewed clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in border regions.

Flowers tucked into a bun have long been a signature look of Suu Kyi, who turned 76 on Saturday.

<img alt="A birthday cake dedicated to detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi as protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5164d57-2dd3-4704-b805-fa7a880eb9d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9CM89U.jpg" />

A birthday cake dedicated to detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi as protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei. Credits: AFP

Many replicated the floral hairstyle and uploaded pictures onto social media across&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;for the occasion.

Among them was&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Miss Universe beauty queen Thuzar Wint Lwin, who wore red flowers in her hair and wrote: "May our leader be healthy."

In commercial capital Yangon, protesters put up posters on power lines wishing Suu Kyi a happy birthday and expressing solidarity.

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"Happy Birthday Mother Suu. We are right behind you," the signs read.

Some marched with black umbrellas and banners that read "freedom from fear" alongside pictures of Suu Kyi.

In the border region of Karen state, some rebel soldiers were photographed holding their guns and yellow, white and purple posies, as well as single flowers tucked behind their ears.

Demonstrators in the southeastern city of Dawei made a giant pink birthday cake and took it to their street protest.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner's international reputation was damaged after she defended&nbsp;Myanmar's military over allegations of genocide against the ethnic-minority Rohingya population in troubled Rakhine state in 2017.

Back in court

Not all those participating in flower protests were full of praise for Suu Kyi.

"I am involved in this campaign because now she is unfairly detained by the military and her civilian rights... and freedom is denied," Thet Swe Win, a 35-year-old activist, told AFP.

"After she is free from her detention, she will have to take full responsibility over&nbsp;her silence concerning the suffering of Rohingya and other ethnic groups."

Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis sent birthday wishes to Suu Kyi from afar.

"I wish you all the best for your health and strength... We stand with the people of&nbsp;Burma," he said, using a previous name for the country.

The civilian death toll since the coup is estimated to be at least 870 people, according to a local monitoring group, while close to 5,000 protesters are in detention after being arrested.

The UN General Assembly on Friday took the rare step of calling on member states to "prevent the flow of arms" into&nbsp;Myanmar, part of a non-binding resolution condemning the military coup.

The resolution -- which did not go so far as to call for a global arms embargo -- also demands that the military "immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators".

It was approved by 119 countries, with 36 abstaining including China,&nbsp;Myanmar's main ally. Only one country, Belarus, voted against it.

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta issued a statement on Saturday night rejecting the resolution.

"The acts of interference in the internal affairs which infringe on the (state's) sovereignty shall not be accepted," the statement said.

"Myanmar&nbsp;rejects the said resolution as a whole," it said, adding that it was "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions".

Suu Kyi is due back in court next week and has been hit with an eclectic raft of criminal charges, including accepting illegal payments of gold and violating a colonial-era secrecy law.

She went on trial for sedition on Tuesday, but journalists were barred from observing proceedings.

Anti-coup protesters in Myanmar donned flowers in their hair Saturday to mark the birthday of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest and is due to face court again next week.

Anti-coup protesters in Myanmar donned flowers in their hair Saturday to mark the birthday of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest and is due to face court again next week. Suu Kyi's elected government was overthrown in a February 1 coup that sparked mass protests and renewed clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in border regions. Flowers tucked into a bun have long been a signature look of Suu Kyi, who turned 76 on Saturday. A birthday cake dedicated to detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi as protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Dawei. Credits: AFP Many replicated the floral hairstyle and uploaded pictures onto social media across Myanmar for the occasion. Among them was Myanmar Miss Universe beauty queen Thuzar Wint Lwin, who wore red flowers in her hair and wrote: "May our leader be healthy." In commercial capital Yangon, protesters put up posters on power lines wishing Suu Kyi a happy birthday and expressing solidarity. Also Read | Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths "Happy Birthday Mother Suu. We are right behind you," the signs read. Some marched with black umbrellas and banners that read "freedom from fear" alongside pictures of Suu Kyi. In the border region of Karen state, some rebel soldiers were photographed holding their guns and yellow, white and purple posies, as well as single flowers tucked behind their ears. Demonstrators in the southeastern city of Dawei made a giant pink birthday cake and took it to their street protest. The Nobel Peace Prize winner's international reputation was damaged after she defended Myanmar's military over allegations of genocide against the ethnic-minority Rohingya population in troubled Rakhine state in 2017. Back in court Not all those participating in flower protests were full of praise for Suu Kyi. "I am involved in this campaign because now she is unfairly detained by the military and her civilian rights... and freedom is denied," Thet Swe Win, a 35-year-old activist, told AFP. "After she is free from her detention, she will have to take full responsibility over her silence concerning the suffering of Rohingya and other ethnic groups." Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis sent birthday wishes to Suu Kyi from afar. "I wish you all the best for your health and strength... We stand with the people of Burma," he said, using a previous name for the country. The civilian death toll since the coup is estimated to be at least 870 people, according to a local monitoring group, while close to 5,000 protesters are in detention after being arrested. The UN General Assembly on Friday took the rare step of calling on member states to "prevent the flow of arms" into Myanmar, part of a non-binding resolution condemning the military coup. The resolution -- which did not go so far as to call for a global arms embargo -- also demands that the military "immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators". It was approved by 119 countries, with 36 abstaining including China, Myanmar's main ally. Only one country, Belarus, voted against it. The Myanmar junta issued a statement on Saturday night rejecting the resolution. "The acts of interference in the internal affairs which infringe on the (state's) sovereignty shall not be accepted," the statement said. "Myanmar rejects the said resolution as a whole," it said, adding that it was "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions". Suu Kyi is due back in court next week and has been hit with an eclectic raft of criminal charges, including accepting illegal payments of gold and violating a colonial-era secrecy law. She went on trial for sedition on Tuesday, but journalists were barred from observing proceedings.

Myanmar protesters wear flowers to mark Suu Kyi's birthday

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions."&nbsp;The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-calls-for-halt-of-weapons-to-myanmar-392513">United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar</a>

The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence"&nbsp;since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar."

The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested."

The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,'&nbsp;Belarus,&nbsp;a major arms supplier to Myanmar,&nbsp;voting 'no'&nbsp;and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia.

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Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes'&nbsp;and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.'

The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar.

"Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements,"&nbsp;it said.

"?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted,"&nbsp;said the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyis-trial-set-to-start-in-myanmar-junta-rejects-un-rights-chiefs-statement-391331">Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement</a>

The more powerful UN&nbsp;Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint&nbsp;and "on all sides to refrain from violence."

But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power. Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions." The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president. Also read | United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence" since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar." The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested." The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,' Belarus, a major arms supplier to Myanmar, voting 'no' and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia. Also read | India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action' Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes' and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.' The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar. "Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements," it said. "?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted," said the statement. Also read | Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement The more powerful UN Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint and "on all sides to refrain from violence." But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar rejects UN resolution urging arms embargo

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
 
The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February&nbsp;1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. 
 
"The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN&nbsp;special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." 
 
Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. 
 
European Union UN&nbsp;Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN&nbsp;resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." 
 
The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. 
 
An initial draft UN&nbsp;resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. 
 
The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. 
 
General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. 
 
The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. 
 
The UN&nbsp;resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. 
 
The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. 
 
ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN&nbsp;action. 
 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. 
 
Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with the support of 119 countries several months after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a February 1 coup. Belarus requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose it, while 36 abstained, including China and Russia. "The risk of a large-scale civil war is real," UN special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told the General Assembly after the vote. "Time is of the essence. The opportunity to reverse the military takeover is narrowing." Some countries, which abstained, said the crisis was an internal issue for Myanmar, others did not think the resolution would be helpful, while some states complained it did not adequately address the plight of Rohingya Muslims some four years after a military crackdown forced nearly a million to flee Myanmar. European Union UN Ambassador Olof Skoog said the UN resolution sends a powerful message: "It delegitimises the military junta, condemns its abuse and violence against its own people and demonstrates its isolation in the eyes of the world." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier on Friday pushed the General Assembly to act, telling reporters: "We cannot live in a world where military coups become a norm. It is totally unacceptable." The military cited the government's refusal to address what it said was fraud in a November election as the reason for the coup. International observers have said the ballot was fair. An initial draft UN resolution included stronger language calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. According to a proposal last month, nine Southeast Asian countries wanted that language removed. The compromise text 'calls on all member states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar'. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has veto power in the General Assembly. The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The junta says the number is much lower. The UN resolution calls on the Myanmar military to 'immediately stop all violence against peaceful protesters' and end restrictions on the internet and social media. The General Assembly also called on Myanmar to swiftly implement a five-point consensus the junta forged with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. ASEAN has led the main diplomatic effort to find a way out of the crisis, but was split on Friday over the UN action. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country's elected civilian government, voted yes, while Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand abstained. Kyaw Moe Tun said he was disappointed it took so long for the General Assembly to adopt a 'watered down' resolution, adding: "It is critically important that no country should support the military." (With inputs from agencies)

United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar

North Korea has provided $300,000 to an UN-led humanitarian aid initiative for Myanmar, marking its first donation to other countries since 2005, UN&nbsp;data showed on Thursday. 
 
The UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)` financial tracking service showed that North Korea paid the contribution on May 24 to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund. 
 
The fund calls for some $276 million to help Myanmar, where hundreds of people have died since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February and began a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests, adding to the country`s struggle with the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
North Korea last offered financial aid to the United Nations in 2005, when it gave $150,000 for Indonesia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives and Sri Lanka - all of which were hit by a devastating tsunami in December 2004. 
 
North Korea has longstanding relations with Myanmar, and UN&nbsp;monitors have said Pyongyang supplies weapons to the Southeast Asian nation. It has said it is investigating missile cooperation between the two countries. 
 
South Korea has also provided $600,000 to the UN&nbsp;efforts to support Myanmar but has suspended defence exchanges and banned exports of arms and other strategic items to the Southeast Asian country.

North Korea has provided $300,000 to an UN-led humanitarian aid initiative for Myanmar, marking its first donation to other countries since 2005, UN data showed on Thursday.

North Korea has provided $300,000 to an UN-led humanitarian aid initiative for Myanmar, marking its first donation to other countries since 2005, UN data showed on Thursday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)` financial tracking service showed that North Korea paid the contribution on May 24 to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund. The fund calls for some $276 million to help Myanmar, where hundreds of people have died since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February and began a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests, adding to the country`s struggle with the coronavirus pandemic. North Korea last offered financial aid to the United Nations in 2005, when it gave $150,000 for Indonesia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives and Sri Lanka - all of which were hit by a devastating tsunami in December 2004. North Korea has longstanding relations with Myanmar, and UN monitors have said Pyongyang supplies weapons to the Southeast Asian nation. It has said it is investigating missile cooperation between the two countries. South Korea has also provided $600,000 to the UN efforts to support Myanmar but has suspended defence exchanges and banned exports of arms and other strategic items to the Southeast Asian country.

North Korea gives $300,000 for Myanmar in first financial aid since 2005

Myanmar's junta-controlled media on Monday accused an ethnic armed group of killing 25 construction workers in the east of the country after abducting a group of 47 people last month. 
 
The Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) could not be&nbsp;reached&nbsp;for comment on the accusation. The junta spokesman did not answer calls to seek further comment. 
 
Conflicts in Myanmar's borderlands have reignited in several places since the army seized power on February&nbsp;1 and overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. 
 
The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper and army controlled Myawaddy Television showed pictures of what appeared to be 25 dead bodies laid in a forest clearing. 
 
They said the men had been working on the Uhu Creek Bridge in the Myawaddy District, near the border with Thailand, and were abducted from the construction site on May 31 in a group that also included 10 children and six women. 
 
The Global New Light of Myanmar said a total of seven bodies were found on June 11, one burnt and the others with hands tied behind their backs. It said the other 18 bodies were found on June 12. 
 
"Officials from the bridge construction site checked the dead bodies with their identities to inform parents and relatives," it said. 
 
Fighting has intensified in eastern Myanmar since the coup and clashes have driven thousands of people from their homes. 
 
The KNDO, which has been fighting for greater autonomy for the Karen people since 1947, is among the ethnic armed groups that have strongly opposed the military takeover. 
 
The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The junta has said the number is much lower. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's junta-controlled media on Monday accused an ethnic armed group of killing 25 construction workers in the east of the country after abducting a group of 47 people last month.

Myanmar's junta-controlled media on Monday accused an ethnic armed group of killing 25 construction workers in the east of the country after abducting a group of 47 people last month. The Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) could not be reached for comment on the accusation. The junta spokesman did not answer calls to seek further comment. Conflicts in Myanmar's borderlands have reignited in several places since the army seized power on February 1 and overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper and army controlled Myawaddy Television showed pictures of what appeared to be 25 dead bodies laid in a forest clearing. They said the men had been working on the Uhu Creek Bridge in the Myawaddy District, near the border with Thailand, and were abducted from the construction site on May 31 in a group that also included 10 children and six women. The Global New Light of Myanmar said a total of seven bodies were found on June 11, one burnt and the others with hands tied behind their backs. It said the other 18 bodies were found on June 12. "Officials from the bridge construction site checked the dead bodies with their identities to inform parents and relatives," it said. Fighting has intensified in eastern Myanmar since the coup and clashes have driven thousands of people from their homes. The KNDO, which has been fighting for greater autonomy for the Karen people since 1947, is among the ethnic armed groups that have strongly opposed the military takeover. The junta's forces have killed more than 860 people since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The junta has said the number is much lower. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar junta media accuse ethnic army of killing 25 workers

More than four months after the military coup in Myanmar, the first testimony in the trial of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be heard in junta court on Monday. Even in detention, Suu Kyi is facing multiple graft charges against her.

Myanmar Junta to hear first testimony of deposed leader Suu Kyi

US&nbsp;citizen Nathan Maung has been released from detention in Myanmar and is due to fly out of the country on Tuesday, his lawyer Tin Zar Oo told Reuters. 
 
A court dismissed the case against the editor at Kamayut Media after the plaintiff withdrew the lawsuit, Tin Zar Oo said on Monday. 
 
The United States had expressed concern over the detention of Nathan Maung and another US&nbsp;citizen, Daniel Fenster, by the military authorities in the Southeast Asian country.

US citizen Nathan Maung has been released from detention in Myanmar and is due to fly out of the country on Tuesday, his lawyer Tin Zar Oo told Reuters. A court dismissed the case against the editor at Kamayut Media after the plaintiff withdrew the lawsuit, Tin Zar Oo said on Monday.

US citizen Nathan Maung has been released from detention in Myanmar and is due to fly out of the country on Tuesday, his lawyer Tin Zar Oo told Reuters. A court dismissed the case against the editor at Kamayut Media after the plaintiff withdrew the lawsuit, Tin Zar Oo said on Monday. The United States had expressed concern over the detention of Nathan Maung and another US citizen, Daniel Fenster, by the military authorities in the Southeast Asian country.

US journalist Nathan Maung released from detention in Myanmar: Lawyer

Pro-democracy protesters agitating against Myanmar's military junta flooded Myanmar's social media with their pictures wearing black and showing solidarity to Rohingya Muslims.

Rohingyas are among the most persecuted minority in the country.

Since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in a February 1 coup, an anti-junta movement demanding a return to democracy has grown to include fighting for ethnic minority rights.&nbsp;

Rohingya Muslims, viewed by many in Myanmar as interlopers from Bangladesh have for decades been denied citizenship, rights, access to services and freedom of movement

Activists and civilians took to social media on Sunday to post pictures of themselves wearing black and flashing a three-finger salute of resistance, in posts tagged "#Black4Rohingya".

"Justice must (be) served for each of you and each of us in Myanmar," said prominent rights activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi on Twitter.

A small protest was shown on local media. The protest took place in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon. Black clad demonstrators held signs in Burmese which said that they were protesting for the oppressed Rohingya"

By afternoon, the #Black4Rohingya hashtag was trending on Twitter in Myanmar, with more than 180,000 mentions. 
Sunday's show of support from the mostly Buddhist, ethnic Bamar-majority population is a far cry from previous years, when even using the term "Rohingya" was a lightning rod for controversy.

In 2017, a bloody military campaign in Myanmar's west sent some 740,000 Rohingya fleeing across the border into Bangladesh carrying accounts of rape, mass killings and arson.

The military has long claimed the crackdown was justified to root out insurgents, and Suu Kyi also defended the army's conduct by travelling to the Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court.

The Myanmar public was largely unsympathetic to the Rohingya's plight, while activists and journalists reporting on the issues faced vitriolic abuse online.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pro-democracy protesters agitating against Myanmar's military junta flooded Myanmar's social media with their pictures wearing black and showing solidarity to Rohingya Muslims.

Pro-democracy protesters agitating against Myanmar's military junta flooded Myanmar's social media with their pictures wearing black and showing solidarity to Rohingya Muslims. Rohingyas are among the most persecuted minority in the country. Since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in a February 1 coup, an anti-junta movement demanding a return to democracy has grown to include fighting for ethnic minority rights. Rohingya Muslims, viewed by many in Myanmar as interlopers from Bangladesh have for decades been denied citizenship, rights, access to services and freedom of movement Activists and civilians took to social media on Sunday to post pictures of themselves wearing black and flashing a three-finger salute of resistance, in posts tagged "#Black4Rohingya". "Justice must (be) served for each of you and each of us in Myanmar," said prominent rights activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi on Twitter. A small protest was shown on local media. The protest took place in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon. Black clad demonstrators held signs in Burmese which said that they were protesting for the oppressed Rohingya" By afternoon, the #Black4Rohingya hashtag was trending on Twitter in Myanmar, with more than 180,000 mentions. Sunday's show of support from the mostly Buddhist, ethnic Bamar-majority population is a far cry from previous years, when even using the term "Rohingya" was a lightning rod for controversy. In 2017, a bloody military campaign in Myanmar's west sent some 740,000 Rohingya fleeing across the border into Bangladesh carrying accounts of rape, mass killings and arson. The military has long claimed the crackdown was justified to root out insurgents, and Suu Kyi also defended the army's conduct by travelling to the Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court. The Myanmar public was largely unsympathetic to the Rohingya's plight, while activists and journalists reporting on the issues faced vitriolic abuse online. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar pro-democracy protesters show support for Rohingya

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rapporteur-warns-of-mass-deaths-from-starvation-in-myanmar-390360">UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar</a>

Bachelet, whose requests to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked.

"There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-hit-with-fresh-corruption-charges-390507">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges</a>

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a February&nbsp;1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias.

A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented.

The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoys-meet-myanmar-junta-leader-to-press-for-dialogue-389555">ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue</a>

Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule.

Two ASEAN envoys visited&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out.

"The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-defends-response-to-crisis-amid-southeast-asian-criticism-390094">Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism</a>

"The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account."

She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm.

Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture.

According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/regional-envoys-urged-myanmar-junta-to-free-prisoners-follow-agreement-389887">Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement</a>

At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP.

The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals. Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents. Also read | UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar Bachelet, whose requests to visit Myanmar in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked. "There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement. Also read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented. The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election. Also read | ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule. Two ASEAN envoys visited Myanmar last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out. "The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said. Also read | Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism "The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account." She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm. Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture. According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest. Also read | Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP. The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

UN rights commissioner warns of escalating Myanmar violence

A military plane crashed on Thursday near Myanmar`s second-biggest city of Mandalay, killing 12 people, the city`s fire service said in a post on social media. 
 
The plane was flying from the capital Naypyidaw to the town of Pyin Oo Lwin and was coming in to land when it crashed about 300 metres (984 ft) from a steel plant, the military-owned Myawaddy television station reported. 
 
The plane was carrying six military personnel and also monks who were due to attend a ceremony at a Buddhist monastery, other media reports said. 
 
There were no reports of casualties among people on the ground. 
 
The pilot and one passenger survived and were taken to a military hospital, according to a resident and posting by a community group. 
 
It was not immediately clear what had caused the crash. Myanmar has long had a poor air safety record. 
 
Photographs on social media showed a badly damaged fuselage lying on its side. 
 
Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, with daily protests in towns and cities and fighting in borderlands between the military and ethnic minority militias.

A military plane crashed on Thursday near Myanmar`s second-biggest city of Mandalay, killing 12 people, the city`s fire service said in a post on social media. The plane was flying from the capital Naypyidaw to the town of Pyin Oo Lwin and was coming in to land when it crashed about 300 metres (984 ft) from a steel plant, the military-owned Myawaddy television station reported.

A military plane crashed on Thursday near Myanmar`s second-biggest city of Mandalay, killing 12 people, the city`s fire service said in a post on social media. The plane was flying from the capital Naypyidaw to the town of Pyin Oo Lwin and was coming in to land when it crashed about 300 metres (984 ft) from a steel plant, the military-owned Myawaddy television station reported. The plane was carrying six military personnel and also monks who were due to attend a ceremony at a Buddhist monastery, other media reports said. There were no reports of casualties among people on the ground. The pilot and one passenger survived and were taken to a military hospital, according to a resident and posting by a community group. It was not immediately clear what had caused the crash. Myanmar has long had a poor air safety record. Photographs on social media showed a badly damaged fuselage lying on its side. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, with daily protests in towns and cities and fighting in borderlands between the military and ethnic minority militias.

Military plane crashes near Myanmar's Mandalay, killing 12

The Myanmar junta has hit deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi with corruption charges over claims she accepted illegal payments of gold and more than half a million dollars in cash, state media reported Thursday.

The Myanmar junta has hit deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi with corruption charges over claims she accepted illegal payments of gold and more than half a million dollars in cash, state media reported Thursday. The country has been in turmoil since the generals ousted Suu Kyi on February 1, with nearly 850 civilians killed in a brutal crackdown by security forces on near-daily protests against the coup. The 75-year-old Nobel laureate, who has been in custody since the coup, is facing a raft of wide-ranging criminal charges, including sedition and breaching a colonial-era secrecy law. The latest charges relate to allegations by the former Yangon region chief minister that Suu Kyi illegally accepted $600,000 in cash from him along with around 11 kilograms of gold. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence that Suu Kyi had committed "corruption using her rank", according to the Global New Light of Myanmar, a state-run newspaper. "So she was charged under Anti-Corruption Law section 55." She is also accused of abusing her authority when renting two areas of land for her charitable foundation. After weeks of legal wrangling, two of Suu Kyi's trials are due to start in earnest next week, hearing evidence from witnesses. In Naypyidaw, the remote capital purpose-built by the previous military regime, her trial will start on Monday on charges of violating restrictions during last year's election campaign and possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies. A separate case is scheduled to start on June 15, where she is charged with sedition alongside ousted president Win Myint and another senior member of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Charges 'absurd' Her lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, dismissed the corruption charges as "absurd". "There is an undeniable political background to keep her out of the scene of the country and to smear her prestige," he told AFP, saying she could face long prison terms on the secrecy and corruption charges. Also Read | Military plane crashes near Myanmar's Mandalay, killing 12 "That's one of the reasons to charge her -- to keep her out of the scene." Suu Kyi spent more than 15 years under house arrest during the previous military rule before her 2010 release. Her international stature diminished following a wave of military violence targeting Buddhist-majority Myanmar's marginalized Muslim Rohingya community that displaced more than a million people, but the coup has returned Suu Kyi to the role of cloistered democracy icon. The junta has previously said it would hold fresh elections within two years but has also threatened to dissolve the NLD. "That election -- I cannot say if it will materialize or not, and maybe NLD will not be able to compete," Suu Kyi's lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told AFP. "But for Aung San Suu Kyi, if she is convicted under these charges she will not be allowed to compete." Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll, which Suu Kyi's NLD won in a landslide.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country.

According to a local monitoring group, Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February putsch and a brutal military crackdown on dissent that has killed over 800.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-spread-to-myanmars-ayeyarwady-delta-several-killed-389631">Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed</a>

Fighting has flared in several communities, especially in townships that have seen a high death toll at the hands of police, and some locals have formed "defence forces".

Clashes have escalated in Kayah state near the Thai border in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Locals have accused the military of firing artillery shells that have landed near villages and the UN estimates around 100,000 people have been displaced.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-defends-response-to-crisis-amid-southeast-asian-criticism-390094">Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism</a>

"The junta's brutal, indiscriminate attacks are threatening the lives of many thousands of men, women and children in Kayah state", Tom Andrews said in a statement posted on Twitter Tuesday.

"Let me be blunt. Mass deaths from starvation, disease, and exposure, on a scale we have not yet seen... could occur in Kayah state absent immediate action."

AFP images from Kayah state have shown villagers manufacturing guns in makeshift factories as local defence groups go up against&nbsp;Myanmar's battle-hardened military.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/regional-envoys-urged-myanmar-junta-to-free-prisoners-follow-agreement-389887">Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement</a>

Diplomatic efforts to halt the bloodshed have been led&nbsp;by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;is a member, but the bloc is riven with infighting and has managed to put little&nbsp;pressure on the junta.

In April, an emergency summit produced a "five-point consensus" statement that called for an immediate halt to violence and a visit to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;by a special envoy.

But a special envoy has yet to be appointed, and violence has continued across the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-concerned-at-myanmar-violence-389716">Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence</a>

China, which enjoys exceptional leverage over&nbsp;Myanmar, has also been unwilling to condemn the junta and has refused to label its power-grab a coup.

Its foreign minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Beijing's policy towards its neighbour "is not affected by changes to&nbsp;Myanmar's domestic and external situation."

"China has supported, is supporting and will support&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in choosing a development path that suits its own circumstances," Wang said at a meeting with junta-appointed foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Chongqing.

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country.

The UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has warned of "mass deaths" from starvation and disease in the wake of fighting between rebel groups and junta forces in the east of the coup-stricken country. According to a local monitoring group, Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February putsch and a brutal military crackdown on dissent that has killed over 800. Also read | Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed Fighting has flared in several communities, especially in townships that have seen a high death toll at the hands of police, and some locals have formed "defence forces". Clashes have escalated in Kayah state near the Thai border in recent weeks. Locals have accused the military of firing artillery shells that have landed near villages and the UN estimates around 100,000 people have been displaced. Also read | Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism "The junta's brutal, indiscriminate attacks are threatening the lives of many thousands of men, women and children in Kayah state", Tom Andrews said in a statement posted on Twitter Tuesday. "Let me be blunt. Mass deaths from starvation, disease, and exposure, on a scale we have not yet seen... could occur in Kayah state absent immediate action." AFP images from Kayah state have shown villagers manufacturing guns in makeshift factories as local defence groups go up against Myanmar's battle-hardened military. Also read | Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement Diplomatic efforts to halt the bloodshed have been led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member, but the bloc is riven with infighting and has managed to put little pressure on the junta. In April, an emergency summit produced a "five-point consensus" statement that called for an immediate halt to violence and a visit to Myanmar by a special envoy. But a special envoy has yet to be appointed, and violence has continued across the country. Also read | Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence China, which enjoys exceptional leverage over Myanmar, has also been unwilling to condemn the junta and has refused to label its power-grab a coup. Its foreign minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Beijing's policy towards its neighbour "is not affected by changes to Myanmar's domestic and external situation." "China has supported, is supporting and will support Myanmar in choosing a development path that suits its own circumstances," Wang said at a meeting with junta-appointed foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Chongqing.

UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar

The Myanmar junta's foreign minister had defended its plan for restoring democracy, state media reported on Tuesday, after a meeting at which Southeast Asian counterparts pressed the army to implement a regional agreement meant to end turmoil. 
 
The junta has paid little heed to demands from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to respect a 'consensus' agreed in late April to end violence and hold political talks with its opponents. 
 
Southeast foreign ministers expressed disappointment at the meeting in China on Monday at the 'very slow' progress made by Myanmar on its proposal for ending the turmoil since the army overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1. 
 
State media cited junta-appointed foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin as telling the ASEAN-China foreign ministers' meeting that the military had made progress on its own five-step roadmap for the country unveiled after its coup. 
 
"The minister apprised the meeting that the only way to ensure the democratic system that is disciplined and genuine was through the five-point future programme that was declared in February," the Global New Light of Myanmar reported. 
 
The minister had said that most of these points had been met including preventative COVID-19 measures and setting up a new election commission to into alleged fraud during a November election swept by Suu Kyi's party, the paper said. 
 
The military defended its seizure of power after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy saying the old election commission had ignored its complaints of fraud. 
 
The junta has failed to impose control since ousting Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. 
 
The security forces have killed at least 849 protesters, a rights group says, though the army disputes that figure, and insurgencies in several regions have flared.

Alarmed by the turmoil, several members of ASEAN have called for the release of political detainees, an end to the violence and for Myanmar's rivals to hold talks on ending the crisis - calls reflected in the ASEAN 'consensus'. 
 
But in the only reference to the ASEAN proposal, the Myanmar minister was cited as saying "discussions were made cordially" on it during a visit last week by two ASEAN envoys - who had also called for the release of political prisoners. 
 
Opponents of the junta have shown increasing frustration at ASEAN's inability to press the junta and its failure to include other political stakeholders, particularly the ousted government. The junta has branded its opponents 'terrorists'. 
 
China's state-run Global Times newspaper has quoted junta Min Aung Hlaing leader as telling the Chinese ambassador that Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. 
 
After Monday's meeting, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Chinese help would be 'highly appreciated as this will contribute to achieving a peaceful solution'. 
 
A shadow government formed by anti-coup opponents criticised China's embassy in Myanmar for calling the junta chief the 'leader' of Myanmar on a posting on its website.

The Myanmar junta's foreign minister had defended its plan for restoring democracy, state media reported on Tuesday, after a meeting at which Southeast Asian counterparts pressed the army to implement a regional agreement meant to end turmoil.

The Myanmar junta's foreign minister had defended its plan for restoring democracy, state media reported on Tuesday, after a meeting at which Southeast Asian counterparts pressed the army to implement a regional agreement meant to end turmoil. The junta has paid little heed to demands from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to respect a 'consensus' agreed in late April to end violence and hold political talks with its opponents. Southeast foreign ministers expressed disappointment at the meeting in China on Monday at the 'very slow' progress made by Myanmar on its proposal for ending the turmoil since the army overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. State media cited junta-appointed foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin as telling the ASEAN-China foreign ministers' meeting that the military had made progress on its own five-step roadmap for the country unveiled after its coup. "The minister apprised the meeting that the only way to ensure the democratic system that is disciplined and genuine was through the five-point future programme that was declared in February," the Global New Light of Myanmar reported. The minister had said that most of these points had been met including preventative COVID-19 measures and setting up a new election commission to into alleged fraud during a November election swept by Suu Kyi's party, the paper said. The military defended its seizure of power after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy saying the old election commission had ignored its complaints of fraud. The junta has failed to impose control since ousting Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. The security forces have killed at least 849 protesters, a rights group says, though the army disputes that figure, and insurgencies in several regions have flared. Alarmed by the turmoil, several members of ASEAN have called for the release of political detainees, an end to the violence and for Myanmar's rivals to hold talks on ending the crisis - calls reflected in the ASEAN 'consensus'. But in the only reference to the ASEAN proposal, the Myanmar minister was cited as saying "discussions were made cordially" on it during a visit last week by two ASEAN envoys - who had also called for the release of political prisoners. Opponents of the junta have shown increasing frustration at ASEAN's inability to press the junta and its failure to include other political stakeholders, particularly the ousted government. The junta has branded its opponents 'terrorists'. China's state-run Global Times newspaper has quoted junta Min Aung Hlaing leader as telling the Chinese ambassador that Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. After Monday's meeting, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Chinese help would be 'highly appreciated as this will contribute to achieving a peaceful solution'. A shadow government formed by anti-coup opponents criticised China's embassy in Myanmar for calling the junta chief the 'leader' of Myanmar on a posting on its website.

Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February&nbsp;1 coup, the regional bloc said. 
 
Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. 
 
The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. 
 
The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people'&nbsp;by implementing the five points. 
 
It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. 
 
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. 
 
The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. 
 
Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. 
 
Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. 
 
China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. 
 
China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. 
 
Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. 
 
The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Myanmar's junta to free all political prisoners and discussed implementing a regional 'consensus' to end turmoil since the February 1 coup, the regional bloc said. Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding April's five-point agreement among the 10 ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. The ASEAN envoys met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, on Friday. The ASEAN statement dated June 5 said the objective of the visit was to discuss how Myanmar would reach 'a peaceful solution in the interests of its people' by implementing the five points. It said they had also 'called for the release of all political prisoners, including women and children and foreigners' - an appeal that was not on the consensus but is supported by many ASEAN members. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the meeting covered 'implementation of the recommendation of initial survey of ASEAN' and 'terror acts' by junta opponents and the army's plan to hold elections. The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 849 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN. Myanmar's crisis is also expected to be a topic at a special ASEAN-Chinese foreign ministers meeting in Chongqing this week. The junta's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, will also attend. China's ambassador met army chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday. China's state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the junta leader as saying Myanmar was willing to coordinate implementation of the consensus. It reported that the ambassador had said China was ready to support implementing the consensus. Opponents of the junta have been wary of the role of China, which unlike Western countries has not been vocal in criticising the coup. The army said it seized power after election authorities rejected its accusations of fraud in a November 2020 ballot swept by Suu Kyi's party. She now faces several charges and is due to appear in court again on Monday.

Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February&nbsp;1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding the five-point 'consensus' agreed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April - which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoys-meet-myanmar-junta-leader-to-press-for-dialogue-389555">ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue</a>

"We have been following developments in Myanmar closely with much concern, especially incidents of violence in many parts of the country," foreign ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said in a statement.

He reiterated a call for an end to the violence, the release of all detainees and the "concrete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus" as soon as possible.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-spread-to-myanmars-ayeyarwady-delta-several-killed-389631">Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed</a>

The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 847 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure.

Meanwhile, daily protests against the military have evolved in parts of Myanmar into armed insurrections while decade old ethnic conflicts have flared anew.

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Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN and say the meeting of two representatives of the group with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Friday gave him greater legitimacy but brought no benefit.

Thailand has a longer border with Myanmar than any other country and fears the conflict could bring a flood of refugees. Its government is itself led by a former army chief who seized power in a coup before holding elections.

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"Much of what Thailand has done may not have been made public as we believe that quiet and discreet diplomacy between neighbours would be more effective and in line with traditional Thai diplomacy," Tanee said.

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February 1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February 1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding the five-point 'consensus' agreed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April - which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. Also Read | ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue "We have been following developments in Myanmar closely with much concern, especially incidents of violence in many parts of the country," foreign ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said in a statement. He reiterated a call for an end to the violence, the release of all detainees and the "concrete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus" as soon as possible. Also Read | Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 847 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. Meanwhile, daily protests against the military have evolved in parts of Myanmar into armed insurrections while decade old ethnic conflicts have flared anew. Also Read | Myanmar: Shadow government urges Rohingya to fight against military junta Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN and say the meeting of two representatives of the group with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Friday gave him greater legitimacy but brought no benefit. Thailand has a longer border with Myanmar than any other country and fears the conflict could bring a flood of refugees. Its government is itself led by a former army chief who seized power in a coup before holding elections. Also Read | Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case "Much of what Thailand has done may not have been made public as we believe that quiet and discreet diplomacy between neighbours would be more effective and in line with traditional Thai diplomacy," Tanee said.

Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results.

State broadcaster MRTV showed Senior Gen&nbsp;Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, but provided only a broad outline of their discussions.

Earlier this week, an Indonesian diplomat said the delegation's purpose was to seek Myanmar's approval of an ASEAN special envoy for the crisis, who is yet to be named. He said the choice of the envoy involved both sides, making progress slow.

Friday's meeting received a cool response from members of Myanmar's opposition shadow government. The National Unity Government said at a rare online news conference that ASEAN should meet with them as well, not just the military. "Any discussions, any meeting about the future of the people of Myanmar must include the people of Myanmar, (their) voices must be heard," said spokesperson Sa Sa.

The appointment of an ASEAN envoy was one of five points agreed at the regional summit in Jakarta in April, which Min Aung Hlaing attended over the objection of opponents, who said the invitation legitimised his power grab.

Shortly afterwards, a spokesperson for the military government said it would only allow the envoy to visit after it had achieved security and stability in the country.

The military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, saying her party's landslide victory in elections last November resulted from massive voter fraud. It has not produced credible evidence to back its claim.

Security forces have brutally suppressed widespread popular protests against the military takeover, firing live ammunition into crowds and carrying out waves of arrests. As of Friday, 845 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners.

UN&nbsp;Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York highlighted the impact of violence on public health workers. He said there have been at least 212 reported attacks on patients, health workers, ambulances and health care facilities, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 51 injuries since the coup.

"Our colleagues on the ground stress that hospitals are, and must remain, a place of sanctuary and unequivocal neutrality so that patients can seek care and health professionals can provide care safely and without fear," he said.

The Jakarta summit also reached an agreement to immediately end the violence and start a dialogue between the contending parties with the help of the special envoy. Brunei is taking the lead in negotiating with the Myanmar junta because it currently holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In the online news conference, Sa Sa also said the number of people's militias taking up arms against the military government is set to rise rapidly in response to what he called a 'reign of terror'.&nbsp;

"Many more forces will appear in the coming months," he said. "It will be out of control. That's why we say to the international community to help us to stop this coup. We need stability in Myanmar."&nbsp;

In recent weeks, civilian armed groups have appeared in several regions of the country, often using homemade weapons or old hunting rifles to engage the army and police, with some success. Some groups of pro-democracy activists have fled to the jungles to receive combat training from battle-hardened ethnic armed groups, who have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results.

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results. State broadcaster MRTV showed Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, but provided only a broad outline of their discussions. Earlier this week, an Indonesian diplomat said the delegation's purpose was to seek Myanmar's approval of an ASEAN special envoy for the crisis, who is yet to be named. He said the choice of the envoy involved both sides, making progress slow. Friday's meeting received a cool response from members of Myanmar's opposition shadow government. The National Unity Government said at a rare online news conference that ASEAN should meet with them as well, not just the military. "Any discussions, any meeting about the future of the people of Myanmar must include the people of Myanmar, (their) voices must be heard," said spokesperson Sa Sa. The appointment of an ASEAN envoy was one of five points agreed at the regional summit in Jakarta in April, which Min Aung Hlaing attended over the objection of opponents, who said the invitation legitimised his power grab. Shortly afterwards, a spokesperson for the military government said it would only allow the envoy to visit after it had achieved security and stability in the country. The military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, saying her party's landslide victory in elections last November resulted from massive voter fraud. It has not produced credible evidence to back its claim. Security forces have brutally suppressed widespread popular protests against the military takeover, firing live ammunition into crowds and carrying out waves of arrests. As of Friday, 845 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York highlighted the impact of violence on public health workers. He said there have been at least 212 reported attacks on patients, health workers, ambulances and health care facilities, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 51 injuries since the coup. "Our colleagues on the ground stress that hospitals are, and must remain, a place of sanctuary and unequivocal neutrality so that patients can seek care and health professionals can provide care safely and without fear," he said. The Jakarta summit also reached an agreement to immediately end the violence and start a dialogue between the contending parties with the help of the special envoy. Brunei is taking the lead in negotiating with the Myanmar junta because it currently holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship. ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In the online news conference, Sa Sa also said the number of people's militias taking up arms against the military government is set to rise rapidly in response to what he called a 'reign of terror'. "Many more forces will appear in the coming months," he said. "It will be out of control. That's why we say to the international community to help us to stop this coup. We need stability in Myanmar." In recent weeks, civilian armed groups have appeared in several regions of the country, often using homemade weapons or old hunting rifles to engage the army and police, with some success. Some groups of pro-democracy activists have fled to the jungles to receive combat training from battle-hardened ethnic armed groups, who have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar. 
 
The army has struggled to impose control since the army returned to power on February&nbsp;1, overthrowing elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi after a decade of democratic reforms had opened up the once isolated Southeast Asian state. 
 
Anti-junta protests take place daily in many parts of a country that has been paralysed by strikes, while conflicts with ethnic army groups that oppose the junta have flared in Myanmar`s borderlands. 
 
On Saturday, clashes spread to the Ayeyarwady region, an important rice growing area that has large populations of both the Bamar majority ethnic group, from which much of the army draws much of its strength, and the Karen minority. 
 
Clashes broke out before dawn at Kyonpyaw, some 150 km (100 miles) northwest of Yangon, when soldiers came to arrest a man suspected of harbouring weapons and were met by a bomb blast, a resident told Reuters. 
 
"The people in the village only have crossbows and there are a lot of casualties on the people`s side," said the resident, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. Khit Thit Media and BBC Burmese language news said three people had been killed. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment on that or reports of fighting elsewhere in Myanmar. 
 
The anti-junta Shwegu People`s Defence Force said it had attacked a police station in northern Shwegu late on Friday together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of around two dozen ethnic armies and which has been fighting for decades. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach the KIA for comment. 
 
In eastern Myanmar, the MBPDF (Mobye People's Defence Force) said it had clashed with the army on Friday afternoon. It said four 'terrorist soldiers' had been killed. 
 
Despite the turmoil, Myanmar`s army has shown little sign of heeding calls from its opponents to restore democracy. This week the junta received its first high-profile foreign visitors - the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross and envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met on Friday with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi and Erywan Yusof, the second minister for foreign affairs for ASEAN chair Brunei, army-run Myawaddy TV reported. 
 
At least 845 people have been killed by security forces and more than 4,500 jailed, according to an activist group. The junta disputes those figures. 
 
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a group of independent international experts, said it was crucial that the ASEAN envoys also meet protest leaders, members of a parallel opposition government, elected lawmakers and Suu Kyi`s party. 
 
"Failure to meet with all relevant parties risks lending legitimacy to the junta and undermines the enormous effort and sacrifice made by the people of Myanmar to resist the junta’s violent and unlawful attempt to seize power," it said.

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar.

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar. The army has struggled to impose control since the army returned to power on February 1, overthrowing elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi after a decade of democratic reforms had opened up the once isolated Southeast Asian state. Anti-junta protests take place daily in many parts of a country that has been paralysed by strikes, while conflicts with ethnic army groups that oppose the junta have flared in Myanmar`s borderlands. On Saturday, clashes spread to the Ayeyarwady region, an important rice growing area that has large populations of both the Bamar majority ethnic group, from which much of the army draws much of its strength, and the Karen minority. Clashes broke out before dawn at Kyonpyaw, some 150 km (100 miles) northwest of Yangon, when soldiers came to arrest a man suspected of harbouring weapons and were met by a bomb blast, a resident told Reuters. "The people in the village only have crossbows and there are a lot of casualties on the people`s side," said the resident, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. Khit Thit Media and BBC Burmese language news said three people had been killed. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment on that or reports of fighting elsewhere in Myanmar. The anti-junta Shwegu People`s Defence Force said it had attacked a police station in northern Shwegu late on Friday together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of around two dozen ethnic armies and which has been fighting for decades. Reuters was unable to reach the KIA for comment. In eastern Myanmar, the MBPDF (Mobye People's Defence Force) said it had clashed with the army on Friday afternoon. It said four 'terrorist soldiers' had been killed. Despite the turmoil, Myanmar`s army has shown little sign of heeding calls from its opponents to restore democracy. This week the junta received its first high-profile foreign visitors - the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross and envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met on Friday with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi and Erywan Yusof, the second minister for foreign affairs for ASEAN chair Brunei, army-run Myawaddy TV reported. At least 845 people have been killed by security forces and more than 4,500 jailed, according to an activist group. The junta disputes those figures. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a group of independent international experts, said it was crucial that the ASEAN envoys also meet protest leaders, members of a parallel opposition government, elected lawmakers and Suu Kyi`s party. "Failure to meet with all relevant parties risks lending legitimacy to the junta and undermines the enormous effort and sacrifice made by the people of Myanmar to resist the junta’s violent and unlawful attempt to seize power," it said.

Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) arrived in Myanmar for talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, as the coup-stricken nation enters its fifth month of crippling unrest.

ASEAN envoys arrive in Myanmar for talks with junta chief on ending violence

A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar. Myanmar is currently in turmoil due to military rule.

The military junta overthrew the civilian government run by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The country has since been on the boil with pro-democracy protests and clashes with military.

A group of ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together.

Military junta has classified the NUG as "terrorists". It means that anyone speaking to them, even journalists, may be slapped with charges under counter-terrorism laws.

"We invite Rohingyas to join hands with us and with others to participate in this Spring Revolution against the military dictatorship," the group said in a statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lawyer-for-myanmars-suu-kyi-worried-over-representation-for-secrets-case-389389">Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case</a>

Suu Kyi's NLD government had avoided the term "Rohingya" because of sensitivity among ethnic groups in the majority-Buddhist country, referring to the minority as "Muslims living in Rakhine."

In Myanmar, the Rohingya are widely seen as interlopers from Bangladesh and have been denied citizenship, rights and access to services for decades under what Amnesty International calls apartheid-like conditions.&nbsp;

The NUG has also promised to end a 1982 citizenship law that discriminates against the Rohingya. The NUG has promised that all those born in Myanmar or to a Myanmar citizen would be granted citizenship.&nbsp;

The group also said it was committed to repatriating all Rohingya languishing in camps in Bangladesh "as soon as repatriation can be accomplished voluntarily, safely and with dignity."

IN 2017, more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after a bloody military campaign that the United Nations has termed as ethnic cleansing.

The military claimed its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following a series of deadly attacks on police posts and has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi defended the army's conduct and even travelled to The Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar.

A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar. Myanmar is currently in turmoil due to military rule. The military junta overthrew the civilian government run by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The country has since been on the boil with pro-democracy protests and clashes with military. A group of ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together. Military junta has classified the NUG as "terrorists". It means that anyone speaking to them, even journalists, may be slapped with charges under counter-terrorism laws. "We invite Rohingyas to join hands with us and with others to participate in this Spring Revolution against the military dictatorship," the group said in a statement. Also Read | Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case Suu Kyi's NLD government had avoided the term "Rohingya" because of sensitivity among ethnic groups in the majority-Buddhist country, referring to the minority as "Muslims living in Rakhine." In Myanmar, the Rohingya are widely seen as interlopers from Bangladesh and have been denied citizenship, rights and access to services for decades under what Amnesty International calls apartheid-like conditions. The NUG has also promised to end a 1982 citizenship law that discriminates against the Rohingya. The NUG has promised that all those born in Myanmar or to a Myanmar citizen would be granted citizenship. The group also said it was committed to repatriating all Rohingya languishing in camps in Bangladesh "as soon as repatriation can be accomplished voluntarily, safely and with dignity." IN 2017, more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after a bloody military campaign that the United Nations has termed as ethnic cleansing. The military claimed its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following a series of deadly attacks on police posts and has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Suu Kyi defended the army's conduct and even travelled to The Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: Shadow government urges Rohingya to fight against military junta

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian nations arrived in Myanmar Thursday for talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, as the coup-stricken nation enters its fifth month of crippling unrest.

Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February coup and according to a local monitoring group more than 800 people have died as the military moved to crack down on dissent.

Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister for foreign affairs and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi arrived in the capital Naypwidaw late Thursday, a senior Myanmar official, who didn't want to be named, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/schools-out-for-myanmar-students-defying-junta-threats-388771" hreflang="en">School's out for Myanmar students defying junta threats</a>

The envoys will meet Min Aung Hlaing on Friday morning, the official said, without providing further details.

The junta's information team told journalists on Thursday that they would shortly "release" more information on the meetings.

ASEAN has led diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, but the bloc is not known for its diplomatic clout and observers have questioned how effectively it can influence events in the country.

While the EU and US have ramped up sanctions on Myanmar's generals, the regional bloc has struggled to form a united front.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-fails-to-quell-protests-four-months-after-coup-388725" hreflang="en">Myanmar military fails to quell protests four months after coup</a>

It was not immediately clear whether the ASEAN envoys would meet members of a shadow government formed by ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the NLD -- which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together.

The junta has classified members of the shadow government as "terrorists", meaning anyone speaking to them -- including journalists -- can be subjected to charges under counter-terrorism laws.

Speaking on state TV Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing repeated the accusation that the body was a "terrorist" group.

UN envoy still waiting

Min Aung Hlaing attended a meeting on the crisis with the leaders of the 10-country bloc in April -- his first overseas trip since he seized power.

Following the meeting -- which was closed to media -- leaders issued a "five-point consensus" statement that called for the "immediate cessation of violence" and a visit to Myanmar by a regional special envoy.

But the general said in a later television interview that Myanmar was not ready to adopt the plan and violence has continued across the country.

UN special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, was present on the sidelines of the April summit, but has yet to receive permission to travel to Myanmar.

She told reporters on Friday she had been told by the junta that now was "not the right time" for her to go to Myanmar.

The military has justified its power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll, which was won by the NLD in a landslide.

Ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has only been seen in public once since the coup.

She has been hit with a string of criminal charges including flouting coronavirus restrictions during last year's election campaign and possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies.

She vowed last month that her ousted NLD political party would "exist as long as the people exist."

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian nations arrived in Myanmar Thursday for talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, as the coup-stricken nation enters its fifth month of crippling unrest.

Envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian nations arrived in Myanmar Thursday for talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, as the coup-stricken nation enters its fifth month of crippling unrest. Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the February coup and according to a local monitoring group more than 800 people have died as the military moved to crack down on dissent. Erywan Pehin Yusof, Brunei's second minister for foreign affairs and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi arrived in the capital Naypwidaw late Thursday, a senior Myanmar official, who didn't want to be named, told AFP. Also read | School's out for Myanmar students defying junta threats The envoys will meet Min Aung Hlaing on Friday morning, the official said, without providing further details. The junta's information team told journalists on Thursday that they would shortly "release" more information on the meetings. ASEAN has led diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, but the bloc is not known for its diplomatic clout and observers have questioned how effectively it can influence events in the country. While the EU and US have ramped up sanctions on Myanmar's generals, the regional bloc has struggled to form a united front. Also read | Myanmar military fails to quell protests four months after coup It was not immediately clear whether the ASEAN envoys would meet members of a shadow government formed by ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the NLD -- which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together. The junta has classified members of the shadow government as "terrorists", meaning anyone speaking to them -- including journalists -- can be subjected to charges under counter-terrorism laws. Speaking on state TV Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing repeated the accusation that the body was a "terrorist" group. UN envoy still waiting Min Aung Hlaing attended a meeting on the crisis with the leaders of the 10-country bloc in April -- his first overseas trip since he seized power. Following the meeting -- which was closed to media -- leaders issued a "five-point consensus" statement that called for the "immediate cessation of violence" and a visit to Myanmar by a regional special envoy. But the general said in a later television interview that Myanmar was not ready to adopt the plan and violence has continued across the country. UN special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, was present on the sidelines of the April summit, but has yet to receive permission to travel to Myanmar. She told reporters on Friday she had been told by the junta that now was "not the right time" for her to go to Myanmar. The military has justified its power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll, which was won by the NLD in a landslide. Ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has only been seen in public once since the coup. She has been hit with a string of criminal charges including flouting coronavirus restrictions during last year's election campaign and possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies. She vowed last month that her ousted NLD political party would "exist as long as the people exist."

ASEAN envoys arrive in Myanmar for talks with junta chief

Myanmar pro-democracy supporters took to the streets on Tuesday in several districts, as fighting between the army and anti-junta militias raged in border areas, four months after the military ousted an elected government in a coup. 
 
Despite a ferocious crackdown by security forces, Myanmar`s military is still struggling to impose order after arresting Aung San Suu Kyi and senior leaders of her party, sparking nationwide protests and paralysing strikes. 
 
In the far south of Myanmar, anti-military protesters staged a march in Laung Lone, a photograph posted by the Irrawaddy newspaper on social media showed. 
 
Meanwhile, in the commercial hub of Yangon a group of mainly young protesters rallied in the district of Kamayut, photographs posted by the Myanmar Now news portal showed. 
 
"This is not over yet. We still have our turn," read a sign written on a sheet carried by one protester. 
 
Demonstrators in urban areas have had to become more nimble to avoid security forces, often using flash mobs or staging small unnannounced protests, after larger rallies in the first months after the coup were often met with security forces firing live rounds. 
 
Decades-old conflicts between the military and ethnic minority armies in border areas have also reignited since the coup. Ethnic militias allied with a shadow civilian government have stepped up attacks on the army, which has responded with heavy weapons and air strikes, forcing thousands to flee. 
 
Mobile phone footage obtained from a resident in Kayah state bordering Thailand showed what appeared to be artillery being fired from inside the state capital Loikaw into Demoso, about 14.5 km (9 miles) away, where a People`s Defence Force said it had attacked troops and was coming under heavy fire. 
 
Residents in Loikaw said that about 50 rounds had been fired on Monday and six on Tuesday morning. 
 
"The sound of artillery is deafening us," a resident told Reuters on Monday, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns. 
 
The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, a militia active in Kayah state, said in a post on its Facebook page that 80 army soldiers had been killed on Monday, while one of its fighters and a civilian were also casualties. 
 
Reuters could not verify the claim and a spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. 
 
Fighting in Kayah has displaced about 37,000 people in recent weeks, according to the United Nations. Many have fled into jungles and are in need of food and medicine. 
 
Civilian forces, often armed with rudimentary rifles and limited training, have been formed in towns and regions across Myanmar to challenge the military, in support of a National Unity Government that the junta says is treasonous. 
 
Security forces have killed 840 people since the coup, according to figures provided by an activist group. 
 
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has said the toll was nearer 300, and has said it is unlikely there will be a civil war in Myanmar.

Myanmar pro-democracy supporters took to the streets on Tuesday in several districts, as fighting between the army and anti-junta militias raged in border areas, four months after the military ousted an elected government in a coup.

Myanmar pro-democracy supporters took to the streets on Tuesday in several districts, as fighting between the army and anti-junta militias raged in border areas, four months after the military ousted an elected government in a coup. Despite a ferocious crackdown by security forces, Myanmar`s military is still struggling to impose order after arresting Aung San Suu Kyi and senior leaders of her party, sparking nationwide protests and paralysing strikes. In the far south of Myanmar, anti-military protesters staged a march in Laung Lone, a photograph posted by the Irrawaddy newspaper on social media showed. Meanwhile, in the commercial hub of Yangon a group of mainly young protesters rallied in the district of Kamayut, photographs posted by the Myanmar Now news portal showed. "This is not over yet. We still have our turn," read a sign written on a sheet carried by one protester. Demonstrators in urban areas have had to become more nimble to avoid security forces, often using flash mobs or staging small unnannounced protests, after larger rallies in the first months after the coup were often met with security forces firing live rounds. Decades-old conflicts between the military and ethnic minority armies in border areas have also reignited since the coup. Ethnic militias allied with a shadow civilian government have stepped up attacks on the army, which has responded with heavy weapons and air strikes, forcing thousands to flee. Mobile phone footage obtained from a resident in Kayah state bordering Thailand showed what appeared to be artillery being fired from inside the state capital Loikaw into Demoso, about 14.5 km (9 miles) away, where a People`s Defence Force said it had attacked troops and was coming under heavy fire. Residents in Loikaw said that about 50 rounds had been fired on Monday and six on Tuesday morning. "The sound of artillery is deafening us," a resident told Reuters on Monday, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns. The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, a militia active in Kayah state, said in a post on its Facebook page that 80 army soldiers had been killed on Monday, while one of its fighters and a civilian were also casualties. Reuters could not verify the claim and a spokesman for the junta did not answer calls seeking comment. Fighting in Kayah has displaced about 37,000 people in recent weeks, according to the United Nations. Many have fled into jungles and are in need of food and medicine. Civilian forces, often armed with rudimentary rifles and limited training, have been formed in towns and regions across Myanmar to challenge the military, in support of a National Unity Government that the junta says is treasonous. Security forces have killed 840 people since the coup, according to figures provided by an activist group. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has said the toll was nearer 300, and has said it is unlikely there will be a civil war in Myanmar.

Myanmar military fails to quell protests four months after coup

Schools in Myanmar will open on Tuesday for the first time since the military seized power, but teachers and students are set to defy the junta's calls for full classrooms in a show of resistance.

Four months of national turmoil have followed the February ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 800 people killed by security forces and a nationwide strike crippling the economy.

Public school teachers, dressed in the green and white uniforms mandated by the education ministry, were prominent in the early mass protests, joining railway workers, doctors and civil servants on the streets.

The junta has insisted schools open on Tuesday after a year's absence due to Covid, but many educators had already decided they could not return to a job they love.

"I'm not afraid of their arrest and torture," Shwe Nadi, a teacher from the commercial capital Yangon told AFP. Her name has been changed for her safety.

"I'm afraid of becoming a teacher who teaches the students propaganda."

The 28-year-old was fired for supporting the civil disobedience movement, one of the thousands of teachers and academics the junta has sacked.

"Of course, I feel bad losing my job because I loved being a teacher. Although it is not well paid, we have our pride for being teachers as others respect us," she said.

Nu May, not her real name, in southern Mon state will also stay away, she told AFP.

The primary school teacher lost months of her salary after joining the nationwide boycott, but said "my soul is pure" because she participated in the strike.

"When I see how they have killed a lot of people, I feel I don't want to be their teacher any more," she added.

Some of those killed in the junta's crackdown were of primary school age, and charity group Save the Children said the dead include 15 children under the age of 16.

Junta-run media has in recent days carried pictures of functionaries watching school registrations and promising that parents will be 'satisfied' with the return of classes.

Students at a school near the capital Naypyidaw opened a setpiece ceremony to mark the new term by performing a "National Enrolment Week" song in front of the regime's education minister, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar state newspaper.

But at one high school in central Sagaing region, a slogan daubed in red paint across the front of the building urges staff members to stay away.

"We do not want the military slavery teachers," showed pictures carried by local media. "We do not want the teachers who are traitors."

University students were key drivers of political activism under nearly five decades of earlier military rulers, who violently suppressed any signs of public dissent.

Many students back then were killed, jailed or expelled, and universities were shuttered for several years.

Some university classes are already back in session, but boycotts have seen widespread absences on both sides of the teaching lectern.

"Not one of my friends is going," said an English major at a university in Mawlamyine, a city that saw brutal crackdowns by security forces against protesters.

"So I decided not to go too."

Her class of 100 is now empty, despite students being summoned by the few remaining professors on campus.

Protesters have discouraged parents and teachers from sending children to schools that still have teachers willing to work, saying it amounted to backing the military regime.

"Do not be sad when you cannot enrol your child at school when some parents have no children to enrol," read a banner in Bago region, south of the capital.

Teacher Shwe Nadi said she will remain committed to the civil disobedience movement, despite fears of being detained or worse.

"I won't run because I have not committed any crimes," she said.

"If they want to arrest me, I am prepared."

Schools in Myanmar will open on Tuesday for the first time since the military seized power, but teachers and students are set to defy the junta's calls for full classrooms in a show of resistance.

Schools in Myanmar will open on Tuesday for the first time since the military seized power, but teachers and students are set to defy the junta's calls for full classrooms in a show of resistance. Four months of national turmoil have followed the February ouster of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 800 people killed by security forces and a nationwide strike crippling the economy. Public school teachers, dressed in the green and white uniforms mandated by the education ministry, were prominent in the early mass protests, joining railway workers, doctors and civil servants on the streets. The junta has insisted schools open on Tuesday after a year's absence due to Covid, but many educators had already decided they could not return to a job they love. "I'm not afraid of their arrest and torture," Shwe Nadi, a teacher from the commercial capital Yangon told AFP. Her name has been changed for her safety. "I'm afraid of becoming a teacher who teaches the students propaganda." The 28-year-old was fired for supporting the civil disobedience movement, one of the thousands of teachers and academics the junta has sacked. "Of course, I feel bad losing my job because I loved being a teacher. Although it is not well paid, we have our pride for being teachers as others respect us," she said. Nu May, not her real name, in southern Mon state will also stay away, she told AFP. The primary school teacher lost months of her salary after joining the nationwide boycott, but said "my soul is pure" because she participated in the strike. "When I see how they have killed a lot of people, I feel I don't want to be their teacher any more," she added. Some of those killed in the junta's crackdown were of primary school age, and charity group Save the Children said the dead include 15 children under the age of 16. Junta-run media has in recent days carried pictures of functionaries watching school registrations and promising that parents will be 'satisfied' with the return of classes. Students at a school near the capital Naypyidaw opened a setpiece ceremony to mark the new term by performing a "National Enrolment Week" song in front of the regime's education minister, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar state newspaper. But at one high school in central Sagaing region, a slogan daubed in red paint across the front of the building urges staff members to stay away. "We do not want the military slavery teachers," showed pictures carried by local media. "We do not want the teachers who are traitors." University students were key drivers of political activism under nearly five decades of earlier military rulers, who violently suppressed any signs of public dissent. Many students back then were killed, jailed or expelled, and universities were shuttered for several years. Some university classes are already back in session, but boycotts have seen widespread absences on both sides of the teaching lectern. "Not one of my friends is going," said an English major at a university in Mawlamyine, a city that saw brutal crackdowns by security forces against protesters. "So I decided not to go too." Her class of 100 is now empty, despite students being summoned by the few remaining professors on campus. Protesters have discouraged parents and teachers from sending children to schools that still have teachers willing to work, saying it amounted to backing the military regime. "Do not be sad when you cannot enrol your child at school when some parents have no children to enrol," read a banner in Bago region, south of the capital. Teacher Shwe Nadi said she will remain committed to the civil disobedience movement, despite fears of being detained or worse. "I won't run because I have not committed any crimes," she said. "If they want to arrest me, I am prepared."

School's out for Myanmar students defying junta threats

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-face-hunger-in-myanmar-as-food-shortage-deepens-387966">Millions face hunger in Myanmar as food shortage deepens</a>

Myanmar has so far reported 143,571 COVID-19 cases and 3,216 deaths in the country.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-slump-in-myanmar-after-the-coup-366729/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Myanmar`s military junta today also announced the extension of its "non-operation period" against ethnic armed groups to the end of June.

All military operations will be suspended across the country except for the period when security and administrative machinery of the government in addition to state defence and administrative measures are encroached on, the military said in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-economy-to-shrink-by-10-this-year-as-protests-swell-world-bank-373213">Myanmar's economy to shrink by 10% this year as protests swell: World Bank</a>

The extension is meant to facilitate talks with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory ethnic armed organizations, according to the statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmars-coronavirus-crisis-virus-drags-poor-families-to-the-edge-335357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar due to the February 1 military coup, people are facing a shortage of cash and rising prices of goods and services as they are withdrawing their savings from banks out of concern for the future.

Four months into military rule since the military coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and with a weakening local currency, the junta has yet to rein in the economic woes precipitated by the power grab, reported Kyodo News.

So far, more than 800 people have died in Myanmar since the military took over the elected government.

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. Also Read | Millions face hunger in Myanmar as food shortage deepens Myanmar has so far reported 143,571 COVID-19 cases and 3,216 deaths in the country. Myanmar`s military junta today also announced the extension of its "non-operation period" against ethnic armed groups to the end of June. All military operations will be suspended across the country except for the period when security and administrative machinery of the government in addition to state defence and administrative measures are encroached on, the military said in a statement. Also Read | Myanmar's economy to shrink by 10% this year as protests swell: World Bank The extension is meant to facilitate talks with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory ethnic armed organizations, according to the statement. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar due to the February 1 military coup, people are facing a shortage of cash and rising prices of goods and services as they are withdrawing their savings from banks out of concern for the future. Four months into military rule since the military coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and with a weakening local currency, the junta has yet to rein in the economic woes precipitated by the power grab, reported Kyodo News. So far, more than 800 people have died in Myanmar since the military took over the elected government.

Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year. The country has been in turmoil ever since and has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. The military junta has used force to suppress the dissent

A group of ousted lawmakers later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together with Myanmar's myriad ethnic rebel fighters to form a federal army to challenge the junta.

On Saturday, the rebel Chin National Front signed an agreement to "demolish the dictatorship and to implement a federal democratic system" in Myanmar, the NUG said in a statement.

Both parties pledged "mutual recognition" and to "partner equally", said the statement without giving more details.

Chin National Front (CNF) mainly represents Christian Chin minority in western Myanmar and it had signed a ceasefire with Myanmar military in 2015.

In recent years its fighters have dwindled.

"The CNF has no real military strength, so this move is symbolic," Richard Horsey, senior advisor on Myanmar to the International Crisis Group, told AFP.

"But [it is] nevertheless significant as CNF has been quite prominent in the peace process, due to its well respected political leaders in exile."

Several rebel groups have condemned military coup and use of violence against civilians.

Some are also providing shelter and even training to dissidents who flee into their territories.&nbsp;

But more than 20 outfits have long distrusted the ethnic Bamar majority -- including lawmakers affiliated with Suu Kyi's government.

On Friday, the NUG released a video it said showed the first batch of fighters from its "People's Defence Force", formed to protect civilians, completing their training.

Around a hundred recruits were shown marching across flat ground surrounded by jungle. None appeared to be carrying weapons.

"Let all Burmese people be freed from military slavery," the recruits were heard shouting together.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year.

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year. The country has been in turmoil ever since and has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. The military junta has used force to suppress the dissent A group of ousted lawmakers later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together with Myanmar's myriad ethnic rebel fighters to form a federal army to challenge the junta. On Saturday, the rebel Chin National Front signed an agreement to "demolish the dictatorship and to implement a federal democratic system" in Myanmar, the NUG said in a statement. Both parties pledged "mutual recognition" and to "partner equally", said the statement without giving more details. Chin National Front (CNF) mainly represents Christian Chin minority in western Myanmar and it had signed a ceasefire with Myanmar military in 2015. In recent years its fighters have dwindled. "The CNF has no real military strength, so this move is symbolic," Richard Horsey, senior advisor on Myanmar to the International Crisis Group, told AFP. "But [it is] nevertheless significant as CNF has been quite prominent in the peace process, due to its well respected political leaders in exile." Several rebel groups have condemned military coup and use of violence against civilians. Some are also providing shelter and even training to dissidents who flee into their territories. But more than 20 outfits have long distrusted the ethnic Bamar majority -- including lawmakers affiliated with Suu Kyi's government. On Friday, the NUG released a video it said showed the first batch of fighters from its "People's Defence Force", formed to protect civilians, completing their training. Around a hundred recruits were shown marching across flat ground surrounded by jungle. None appeared to be carrying weapons. "Let all Burmese people be freed from military slavery," the recruits were heard shouting together. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's shadow government allies with rebel group against military junta

In the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis, millions of Myanmar citizen will go hungry in the coming months, the World Food Programme has warned.

Close to 6.4 million will face a severe hunger crisis in the country which is already suffering from political turmoil since the February 1 coup.

Rising 'hunger and desperation is not new in Myanmar, over and above the 2.8 million people considered to be food insecure in Myanmar before the military takeover.&nbsp;

“More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food. A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security.”, said WFP Myanmar Country Director Stephen Anderson.

According to the report provided by the World Food Programme, price increases have been particularly high in border states including Rakhine, Kachin and Chin. &nbsp;

“In Kachin state, rice prices have risen by up to 43 per cent in some townships and cooking oil by 32 per cent”, said WFP.“The price of fuel has increased by roughly 30 per cent nationwide.” &nbsp;

Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said.

The crisis has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash.

The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll on the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis, millions of Myanmar citizen will go hungry in the coming months, the World Food Programme has warned.

In the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis, millions of Myanmar citizen will go hungry in the coming months, the World Food Programme has warned. Close to 6.4 million will face a severe hunger crisis in the country which is already suffering from political turmoil since the February 1 coup. Rising 'hunger and desperation is not new in Myanmar, over and above the 2.8 million people considered to be food insecure in Myanmar before the military takeover. “More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food. A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security.”, said WFP Myanmar Country Director Stephen Anderson. According to the report provided by the World Food Programme, price increases have been particularly high in border states including Rakhine, Kachin and Chin. “In Kachin state, rice prices have risen by up to 43 per cent in some townships and cooking oil by 32 per cent”, said WFP.“The price of fuel has increased by roughly 30 per cent nationwide.” Myanmar’s army seized power from the democratically elected civilian government on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and a nationwide civil disobedience movement with brutal force, killing more than 700 people, a monitoring group said. The crisis has brought the banking system to a standstill, shuttering many branches, leaving businesses unable to make payments and customers unable to withdraw cash. The coronavirus pandemic took a heavy toll on the economy, which had been growing as it emerged from decades of isolation and financial mismanagement under former military governments. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions face hunger in Myanmar as food shortage deepens

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week.&nbsp;

The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern Myanmar near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports.&nbsp;

Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties.&nbsp;

"It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter.&nbsp;

The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said.&nbsp;

Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities.&nbsp;

"The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said.&nbsp;

"This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said.&nbsp;

Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions.&nbsp;

He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene.&nbsp;

Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in.&nbsp;

"The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified.&nbsp;

She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia.&nbsp;

A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week.

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week. The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern Myanmar near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports. Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties. "It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter. The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said. Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities. "The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said. "This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said. Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions. He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene. Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in. "The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified. She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia. A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar cardinal appeals for end to fighting after fatal church attack 

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week.

The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports.

Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties.

"It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter.

The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said.

Myanmar&nbsp;is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities.

"The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said.

"This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said.

Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions.

He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene.

Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in.

"The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified.

She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia.

A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in chaos since the army took power on Feb 1 and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has struggled to impose order as opposition against it grows.

It has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The military disputes this figure and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing recently said about 300 people had been killed in the unrest, including 47 police.

The military is also fighting on a growing number of fronts, against established ethnic minority armies, and rag-tag local militias formed in the past few weeks, many armed with rudimentary rifles and home-made weapons.

Min Aung Hlaing has played down the risk of violence spiralling into a bigger conflict.

"I don't think there will be a civil war," he told Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television Phoenix in a May 20 interview.

Myanmar’s Roman Catholic leader has called for attacks on places of worship to end after he said four people had died and more than eight were wounded when a group of mainly women and children sought refuge in a church during fighting this week. The conflict between the army and forces opposed to military rule has escalated in recent days in eastern Myanmar near the border of Shan and Kayah states, with dozens of security forces and local fighters killed, according to residents and media reports. Thousands of civilians have also fled their homes due to the fighting and have also suffered casualties. "It is with immense sorrow and pain, we record our anguish at the attack on innocent civilians, who sought refuge in Sacred Heart Church, Kayanthayar," Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is the Archbishop of Yangon, said in a letter posted on Twitter. The church in the district of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State bordering Thailand, suffered extensive damage during the Sunday night attack, Bo said. Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist but some areas including Kayah have large Christian communities. "The violent acts, including continuous shelling, using heavy weaponary on a frightened group of largely women and children" had resulted in the casualties, he said. "This needs to stop. We plead with you all...kindly do not escalate the war," he said. Bo said that churches, hospitals and schools were protected during conflict by international conventions. He said the attack had prompted people to flee into the jungle with more than 20,000 now displaced and in urgent need of food, medicine and hygiene. Another resident in the area trying to help displaced people estimated on Wednesday the number who had fled their homes had now risen to between 30,000 and 50,000 and were still using churches to shelter in. "The elderly and children are in the churches. All the churches have put up white flags in order to stop the shelling," said the 20-year-old, who asked not to be identified. She said the situation remained tense in the area and accused the military of continuing to use heavy weapons against lightly armed local militia. A junta spokesman did not answer phone calls seeking comment. Myanmar has been in chaos since the army took power on Feb 1 and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with daily protests, marches and strikes nationwide against the junta, which has struggled to impose order as opposition against it grows. It has responded with lethal force, killing more than 800 people, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. The military disputes this figure and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing recently said about 300 people had been killed in the unrest, including 47 police. The military is also fighting on a growing number of fronts, against established ethnic minority armies, and rag-tag local militias formed in the past few weeks, many armed with rudimentary rifles and home-made weapons. Min Aung Hlaing has played down the risk of violence spiralling into a bigger conflict. "I don't think there will be a civil war," he told Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television Phoenix in a May 20 interview.

Myanmar cardinal appeals for fighting to end after fatal church attack

An American editor of a news site in military-ruled Myanmar was detained on Monday as he attempted to take a flight out of the country, his news organisation said, the third foreign journalist held since a coup in February.&nbsp;

Danny Fenster, 37, the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, one of the country's top independent news sites, was detained at the main international gateway in Yangon while preparing to fly to Malaysia, Frontier said on Twitter.&nbsp;

It said he had been transferred to Yangon's Insein Prison.&nbsp;

"We do not know why Danny was detained and have not been able to contact him," Frontier Myanmar said.&nbsp;

"We are concerned for his wellbeing and call for his immediate release. Our priorities now are to make sure he is safe and provide him with whatever assistance he needs."&nbsp;

A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer a call seeking comment.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Yangon said: "We are unable to provide details due to privacy considerations."&nbsp;

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government on February 1, citing alleged fraud in an election three months earlier.&nbsp;

The intervention after 10 years of tentative democracy has sparked nationwide outrage, with daily protests and strikes that the military has struggled to suppress, despite its use of lethal force and the arrest of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Journalists have been among those held, accused of incitement by the junta, which has restricted internet access, banned satellite broadcasts and rescinded the licences of several news organisations.&nbsp;

Fenster was the third foreign journalist to be arrested since the coup after a Polish reporter and a twice-held Japanese photojournalist. Both were subsequently deported.&nbsp;

"Were absolutely stunned and extremely confused as to why Dan was detained," said Fenster's brother, Bryan, in remarks made available by Frontier Myanmar.&nbsp;

"We've been assured that there is no concern for his safety but no doubt we are very worried." &nbsp;

An American editor of a news site in military-ruled Myanmar was detained on Monday as he attempted to take a flight out of the country, his news organisation said, the third foreign journalist held since a coup in February.

An American editor of a news site in military-ruled Myanmar was detained on Monday as he attempted to take a flight out of the country, his news organisation said, the third foreign journalist held since a coup in February. Danny Fenster, 37, the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, one of the country's top independent news sites, was detained at the main international gateway in Yangon while preparing to fly to Malaysia, Frontier said on Twitter. It said he had been transferred to Yangon's Insein Prison. "We do not know why Danny was detained and have not been able to contact him," Frontier Myanmar said. "We are concerned for his wellbeing and call for his immediate release. Our priorities now are to make sure he is safe and provide him with whatever assistance he needs." A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer a call seeking comment. A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Yangon said: "We are unable to provide details due to privacy considerations." Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government on February 1, citing alleged fraud in an election three months earlier. The intervention after 10 years of tentative democracy has sparked nationwide outrage, with daily protests and strikes that the military has struggled to suppress, despite its use of lethal force and the arrest of thousands of people. Journalists have been among those held, accused of incitement by the junta, which has restricted internet access, banned satellite broadcasts and rescinded the licences of several news organisations. Fenster was the third foreign journalist to be arrested since the coup after a Polish reporter and a twice-held Japanese photojournalist. Both were subsequently deported. "Were absolutely stunned and extremely confused as to why Dan was detained," said Fenster's brother, Bryan, in remarks made available by Frontier Myanmar. "We've been assured that there is no concern for his safety but no doubt we are very worried."

Myanmar news site says American editor detained from airport

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said.

Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has used strong-handed tactic while trying to control the situation.

The civilian death toll has climbed to at least 815 people, according to a local monitoring group.

The violence has pushed some in the anti-junta movement to form a so-called "People's Defence Force" (PDF) in their own townships -- made up of civilians who fight back against security forces with homemade weapons.

There were clashes in eastern Myanmar over the weekend, particularly in Kayah state's Demoso town, and in neighbouring Shan state.

People's Defence Force member Thet Wai -- not his real name -- said at least 20 police officers died Sunday and his side seized a police station in Moebyel town, Shan state, east of the capital Naypyidaw.

The police station was burnt down and rebel fighters also took four security force members into custody, local media reported.

"I thought today is a day of conquest," Thet Wai, 29, told AFP.

"But I am also worried because we have seen air strikes and tanks today. They have much better weapons than us."

He said the Myanmar military had launched helicopter air strikes in the evening at Demoso, a town in Kayah state about 40 kilometres south.

Another civilian fighter at Demoso said at least 13 Myanmar soldiers had been killed Sunday, while four of his men were wounded.

"We intended to seize their police station, but they used airstrikes and we could not stop their reinforcement trucks getting into the town," he said.

"We had to withdraw our troops from fighting."

The fighting continued through Sunday night, according to a senior leader of the Karenni National Progressive Party -- an ethnic armed group with a stronghold in Kayah state.

He confirmed that the military was using tanks, helicopters and mortar attacks in Demoso and Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state.

Meanwhile, military chief Min Aun Hlaing, who removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in the coup, gave a two-hour interview to Hong Kong's Phoenix Television, with the full programme yet to air.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said. Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said. Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has used strong-handed tactic while trying to control the situation. The civilian death toll has climbed to at least 815 people, according to a local monitoring group. The violence has pushed some in the anti-junta movement to form a so-called "People's Defence Force" (PDF) in their own townships -- made up of civilians who fight back against security forces with homemade weapons. There were clashes in eastern Myanmar over the weekend, particularly in Kayah state's Demoso town, and in neighbouring Shan state. People's Defence Force member Thet Wai -- not his real name -- said at least 20 police officers died Sunday and his side seized a police station in Moebyel town, Shan state, east of the capital Naypyidaw. The police station was burnt down and rebel fighters also took four security force members into custody, local media reported. "I thought today is a day of conquest," Thet Wai, 29, told AFP. "But I am also worried because we have seen air strikes and tanks today. They have much better weapons than us." He said the Myanmar military had launched helicopter air strikes in the evening at Demoso, a town in Kayah state about 40 kilometres south. Another civilian fighter at Demoso said at least 13 Myanmar soldiers had been killed Sunday, while four of his men were wounded. "We intended to seize their police station, but they used airstrikes and we could not stop their reinforcement trucks getting into the town," he said. "We had to withdraw our troops from fighting." The fighting continued through Sunday night, according to a senior leader of the Karenni National Progressive Party -- an ethnic armed group with a stronghold in Kayah state. He confirmed that the military was using tanks, helicopters and mortar attacks in Demoso and Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state. Meanwhile, military chief Min Aun Hlaing, who removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in the coup, gave a two-hour interview to Hong Kong's Phoenix Television, with the full programme yet to air. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: Police and soldiers killed in eastern region amid heavy fighting

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported.&nbsp;

One of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, told The Associated Press by phone that Suu Kyi was able to meet with her defence team before her hearing began at a special court set up inside the city council building in Naypyitaw, the capital. The hearing's purpose was procedural.&nbsp;

The lawyers also met with Win Myint, who was president in the government that Suu Kyi led as state counsellor, and a defendant on some of the same charges she faces.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi had been charged with several criminal offenses, but her only previous court appearances had been by video link, and she had not been allowed to meet in person with any of her lawyers.&nbsp;

Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi had a message for Myanmar's people to the effect that her National League for Democracy party would stand by them.&nbsp;

"The main thing (she said) is that she always wishes good health and well-being for all the people, and she also said that since the NLD was founded for the people, the NLD will exist as long as the people exist," said Min Min Soe said after the hearing.&nbsp;

"She looks fresh, healthy and full of confidence," she added.&nbsp;

Monday's hearing concerned several of the six charges Suu Kyi faces.&nbsp;

These are two counts of violating the Natural Disaster Management Law for violating COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the 2020 election campaign; illegally importing walkie-talkies that were for her bodyguards' use; unlicensed use of the radios; and spreading information that could cause public alarm or unrest.&nbsp;

The most serious charge that Suu Kyi faces is breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment, but that is being handled by a separate court.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's supporters say the proceedings against her are politically motivated and meant to try to legitimise the military's seizure of power and discredit her. If convicted of any of the offences, she could be banned from running in the election that the junta has said it will hold within one or two years of its takeover.&nbsp;

The military ousted Suu Kyi's government less than three months after her National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in a general election that would have given it a second five-year term in office. Before the start of democratic reforms a decade ago, Myanmar was ruled by the military for 50 years.&nbsp;

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported.

Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court in person on Monday for the first time since the military arrested her when it seized power on February 1, Myanmar media reported. One of her lawyers, Min Min Soe, told The Associated Press by phone that Suu Kyi was able to meet with her defence team before her hearing began at a special court set up inside the city council building in Naypyitaw, the capital. The hearing's purpose was procedural. The lawyers also met with Win Myint, who was president in the government that Suu Kyi led as state counsellor, and a defendant on some of the same charges she faces. Suu Kyi had been charged with several criminal offenses, but her only previous court appearances had been by video link, and she had not been allowed to meet in person with any of her lawyers. Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi had a message for Myanmar's people to the effect that her National League for Democracy party would stand by them. "The main thing (she said) is that she always wishes good health and well-being for all the people, and she also said that since the NLD was founded for the people, the NLD will exist as long as the people exist," said Min Min Soe said after the hearing. "She looks fresh, healthy and full of confidence," she added. Monday's hearing concerned several of the six charges Suu Kyi faces. These are two counts of violating the Natural Disaster Management Law for violating COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the 2020 election campaign; illegally importing walkie-talkies that were for her bodyguards' use; unlicensed use of the radios; and spreading information that could cause public alarm or unrest. The most serious charge that Suu Kyi faces is breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment, but that is being handled by a separate court. Suu Kyi's supporters say the proceedings against her are politically motivated and meant to try to legitimise the military's seizure of power and discredit her. If convicted of any of the offences, she could be banned from running in the election that the junta has said it will hold within one or two years of its takeover. The military ousted Suu Kyi's government less than three months after her National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in a general election that would have given it a second five-year term in office. Before the start of democratic reforms a decade ago, Myanmar was ruled by the military for 50 years.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi makes first in-person court appearance, says party will exist as long as people exist 

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