Recently, some embassies in Yangon, some foreign countries and the United Nations issued statements and expressed their concerns over recent developments in Myanmar.
In response to their concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement on 6 February 2021 on current situation of Myanmar and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and Union Minister for International Cooperation have also briefed the recent developments of Myanmar to resident diplomats in Yangon via video conferencing on 5 February 2021.
It needs to objectively observe the evolving developments that compelled the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) to assume State responsibilities in accordance with the State Constitution.
The Ministry would like to reiterate that the State Administration Council (SAC) will continue to abide by the provisions of the State Constitution and is determined to practise the genuine and discipline-flourishing multiparty democracy that suits the prevailing situation of the country. After completion of the assigned tasks in line with the provisions of the State Emergency, the free and fair general election will be held and responsibility of the State will be transferred to the winning political party in the election.
While implementing the duties assigned under the constitutional provisions during the period of State of Emergency, the SAC is exerting utmost efforts for peace, stability, unity and socio-economic development of the country and people.
Despite facing the unlawful demonstrations, incitements of unrest and violence, the authorities concerned are exercising utmost restraint through minimum use of force to address the disturbances in order to maintain rule of law and public safety in line with domestic laws and international practices.
The Ministry views that some statements and remarks made by some embassies in Yangon and foreign countries are tantamount to flagrant interference in internal affairs of Myanmar.
Their statements and remarks also violated the Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 which implies that diplomats are to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State and should not interfere in the internal affairs of that State.
In this regard, the diplomatic missions in Myanmar should strictly adhere to the well-established principles and norms stipulated in the Vienna Convention and the Charter of the United Nations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Dated, 21 February 2021
