Take action against junta, urges Myanmar’s UN envoy

Myanmar’s own ambassador to the United Nations has urged “strong action” against the junta, as reports emerged of scores killed in the military’s latest crackdown.

The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, with protesters refusing to submit to the junta regime and continuing to demand a return to democracy.

During a UN Security Council meeting on Friday, Myanmar’s ambassador pushed for more concrete action — proposing a no-fly zone, an arms embargo and more targeted sanctions against members of the military and their families.

“Your collective, strong action is needed immediately,” ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun told the meeting. “Time is of the essence for us,” he said. “Please, please take action.”

An independent analyst with the International Crisis Group also warned the council that Myanmar was “on the brink of state failure”.

“The vast majority of the population do not want military rule and will do whatever it takes to prevent that outcome. Yet the military seems determined to impose its will,” said Richard Horsey.

“Its actions may be creating a situation where the country becomes ungovernable. That should be of grave concern to the region and to the broader international community.”

China and Russia wield veto power at the Security Council and generally oppose international sanctions.

However, Beijing, the top ally of Myanmar’s military, has voiced growing concern about instability, and has said it is speaking to “all parties”.

There have been reports that China has opened contact with the CRPH, a group representing the ousted civilian government.