Indonesia condemns Myanmar’s use of violence

JAKARTA: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has condemned Myanmar military’s use of violence against anti-coup protesters, calling it unacceptable.

Antara News agency quoted her as saying this following a bilateral meeting with her Japanese counterpart, Motegi Toshimitsu, in Tokyo on Monday, where they discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern.

She called for an immediate halt to the use of violence to avoid further tragedy, appealing to the conflicting parties to hold dialogues instead.

“Indonesia strongly rejects the (Myanmar) security force’s use of violence, which led to the death of more than 100 people on March 27,” Marsudi said in a press statement released on Tuesday.

Toshimitsu, in a statement released by the Japanese embassy in Jakarta, also denounced the situation in Myanmar.

He welcomed Asean’s efforts to help resolve the situation in that nation, adding that he respected Indonesia’s chairmanship in the effort.

Marsudi said that by always respecting the non-interference principle, Asean had always offered assistance to Myanmar.

“Only by holding dialogues can Myanmar resolve its problem. These must be revived to restore democracy, peace and stability in Myanmar,” she added.

At least 510 civilians were killed during the two months of anticoup demonstrations in Myanmar, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Only by holding dialogues can Myanmar resolve its problem.

RETNO MARSUDI Foreign Minister