Myanmar ties suspended in wake of military coup

WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed New Zealand is suspending all highlevel political and military contact with Myanmar.

Ms Ardern said yesterday Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta had announced fundamental changes to New Zealand’s relationship with Myanmar in the wake of that country’s military coup.

Ms Mahuta had also directed New Zealand’s aid programme to Myanmar should not include projects that could benefit to the military government.

‘‘Keeping in mind, it’s not an insignificant aid programme in Myanmar — $42 million from 2018 through to 2021— you would just want to make sure that was managed in an appropriate way by Mfat [Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade] staff.’’

Ms Ardern said the aid programme had previously benefited union movements, agriculture, and education institutions.

New Zealand would be cautious about entering into further aid programmes in Myanmar, she said.

They would continue to make sure the aid programme supported humanitarian efforts and people on the ground, she said.

In a written statement, Ms Mahuta said the Government had also agreed to implement a travel ban, to be formalised in the coming week, on Myanmar’s military leaders.

‘‘Along with our partners in the international community, New Zealand is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar.

‘‘We welcome the statements of the G7 and the United Nations Security Council condemning the military’s seizure of power,’’ Ms Mahuta said.

Ms Ardern said New Zealand had joined other countries calling for the UN Human Rights Council to hold a special session on Myanmar to raise concerns about the coup and the effect on human rights. — RNZ