26th April, 2021 #Day85

 

While the ASEAN is pushing to open a dialogue between all parties, none of them show interest in starting one. Vice President Duwa Lashi La said that the only solution to heal the enormous loss of the people is to completely overthrow the dictatorship and create a stable and peaceful society at the third cabinet meeting of the NUG. NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung also said in an interview with VOA that the government has no plan to talk to military leaders who have been involved in the violence and deadly crackdown, and that they would only be responsible for the death of innocent civilians. She added that a statement of NUG was read by a representative at the ASEAN special meeting in Jakarta. But she gave no comment on who or which country presented it. She said that the NUG had a meeting with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry before the special meeting. NUG Education Minister Dr Zaw Wai Soe has blacklisted six high ranking civil servants who remain under the military council.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener had a meeting with the coup leader during his trip to Indonesia, according to Nikkei Asia. She requested a visit to Myanmar, but the army chief did not respond to it. She refused to comment on discussion points of the meeting, Nikkei Asia reported. The United States, Australia and China have welcomed ASEAN's efforts and five consensus points. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement that it would donate $ 5 million for ASEAN humanitarian aid to Myanmar. However, the BBC reported that the coup leader said at the special meeting that he would consider about the ASEAN special envoy’s visit only if there was stability in the country. Netizens are mocking at this remark saying Myanmar will not be stable as long as the military still in power.

At today’s meeting of the NCA signatories ethnic armed organizations, acting leader General Yawd Serk welcomed the formation of the NUG as an important step in overthrowing the dictatorship and welcomed the five ASEAN agreements, but demanded the release of all leaders and political prisoners. In his opening remarks, he said that the military council would be held accountable for the 700 innocent civilians killed. However, Eleven Media reported that the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), which has signed the NCA agreement, held a meeting in Naypyidaw with the Military Council's National Solidarity and Peace-making Working Committee (NSPWC). DKBA Commander-in-Chief General Saw Mo Shay said at the meeting that they would respect the agreements signed with the military and that they would continue to follow the peace process despite the changing political situation. The news has angered many social media users saying the DKBA would be their enemy if they joined the military. In addition, some commented that they are disappointed to see signs of continued fragmentation of Karen groups even after the coup.

Trials of President Win Myint and State’s counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi who have been charged under various sections was held in Zambuthiri Township Court today via video conferencing. Min Min Soe, lawer of Aung San Suu Kyi, told the Irrawaddy that she has not been allowed to see her even though the request has been made long time ago. According to DVB, the military council has threatened the AAPP, which is compiling a daily list of detainees and deaths. According to the military council, the death toll is just over 200 as of today, but the AAPP list, cited by all local and foreign organizations, put the death toll at nearly 800. A spokesman for the military council said in an interview with Russian media RIA that the economic sanction would not affect the daily lives of the Myanmar people as they have enough Russian and Chinese products importing to the country. However, netizens have been complaining over rising commodity prices and losing jobs. Just within two months, many foreign businesses have already left, and the unemployment rate is gradually rising. The WFP estimates that more than 3 million people will be at risk of food insecurity in the next six months.

A member of the Rakhine State Military Council, Hla Thein, said at the press conference that the state government is considering dropping the charges against those accused of violating the Terrorism Act for their connection with the Arakan Army. 200 people have been charged under this Act in Rakhine State. The AA and the junta have been in a ceasefire since last November, and the junta removed a terrorist designation from the AA on March 11. The Irrawaddy reported that four people charged with this act were released today in Taungup Township. The AA has gained strongholds in many Rakhine townships since last year and is now reportedly influencing the entire local governance of the entire state. In Mindat, Chin State, there were clashes between members of the military council and local people, and according to Chin Human Rights Organization, about 15 soldiers were killed as of this evening. According to the Chin State-based media, reinforcements from Pakokku, Matupi, and Kalay are coming to Mindat.