China’s UN envoy seeks Myanmar coup resolution

: China’s UN ambassador on Monday urged stronger diplomatic efforts to resolve the confrontation in Myanmar since the Feb. 1 military coup, warning that further violence could lead to a chaotic situation “and even a civil war”.

Zhang Jun also warned that “any wrong handling” might lead to further tension in Myanmar. The UN Security Council on Friday strongly backed calls by Southeast Asian nations for an immediate cessation of violence and talks as a first step toward a solution following the military coup in Myanmar that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party and reversed years of slow progress toward democracy.

The council again demanded the restoration of democracy and the release of all detainees including Suu Kyi and condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters and the deaths of hundreds of civilians. Zhang, who described Myanmar as “a friendly neighbour”, strongly backed diplomatic efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN and by UN special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener, and expressed hope they would produce results. He said “China is not in favor of imposing sanctions.”

“We should really be creating a more favourable environment for bringing the country back to normal and finding a political solution through dialogues among the relevant political parties within

ZHANG JUN warns that “any wrong handling” might lead to further tension in Myanmar.

● MYANMAR FOR five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions.

the constitutional and legal framework,” he said.

Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions. As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi’s rise to leadership in 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. The coup took place following November elections, which Suu Kyi’s party won overwhelmingly and the military contends was marred by fraud.

“It’s mainly an issue relating to the difference on the election,” Zhang said. "The political parties should be able to find a solution on that. So that's why China prefers ... more diplomatic efforts.” “That’s why China is working very closely with the relevant parties urging them really to refrain from going extreme, avoiding violence, avoiding casualties, and try to find a solution with dialogue. That’s why the council is also now giving full support to the diplomatic efforts of ASEAN,” he said. —