Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe gave a diplomatic briefing on the recent developments in Myanmar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon on 6 July 2023.
U Khin Maung Oo, Member of the Union Election Commission, U Chan Aye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Thida Tin, Director-General of the Media Development Department, the Ministry of Information and Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors, Heads of Missions, senior diplomats and representatives from diplomatic missions and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Myanmar joined the briefing.
During the briefing, the Union Minister briefed on Myanmar Government’s efforts for Peace, Prosperity and Democracy including lawful and peaceful measures in line with the Five-Point Roadmap. Despite numerous challenges such as the global pandemic, fraudulent elections and associated instability, natural disaster (Cyclone Mocha), geopolitical impacts and challenges posed by media warfare, efforts for peace, development and democracy are underway through the launching of law-enforcement actions and rewards to participate in the political process in peaceful means. He also briefed the implementation of the ASEAN five-point consensus, particularly paving the way for cessation of violence, inclusive dialogues and provisions of humanitarian assistance, the most important points of the ASEAN five-point consensus.
The Union Minister gave a comprehensive account of the efforts of successive governments for the peace process over the past 33 years with the notable achievement of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with EAOs following the 5,000 rounds of negotiation. The Union Minister also underlined that Tatmadaw strictly followed the peace agreement by not making first strikes, and only taking actions to defend innocent civilians with maximum restraints and minimum use of force in line with the Rules of Engagement in the Geneva Convention.
The Union Minister also underscored terrorist activities committed by the so-called PDF claiming more than 5,938 innocent lives (4,878 civilians and 1,060 public service personnel), committing destructive activities and obstructing government efforts to restore normalcy and democracy.
While informing the Myanmar government’s endeavours in fostering peace and harmony among communities in the Rakhine State, the Union Minister updated the progress made in the implementation of the bilateral agreements between Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 and 2018, and for the early commencement of repatriating verified displaced persons.
The Union Minister also briefed on the measures for the recovery and resettlement of victims of Cyclone Mocha in cooperation with the regional and international community.
The briefing was followed by the question and answer session. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe the documents, photos, and charts displayed in the briefing hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — MNA
