Senior General Min Aung Hlaing criticized. The countries for meddling in Myanmar’s affairs. But said they were working with neighbors such as China, India and Thailand.
Myanmar’s junta cracks down on critics
Myanmar’s junta chief on Wednesday lashed out. At countries for meddling in his country’s affairs. While thanking others for “positive” cooperation, noting how. It is working with neighbors such as China, India and Thailand.
The Southeast Asian country has faced international isolation. And Western-led sanctions since the military seized power from. The elected government led. By Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi two years ago.
“I would like to thank some international and regional countries and organizations and individuals who have cooperated with us positively … despite all the pressure, criticism and attacks,” Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech for Myanmar. 75th Independence Day.
“We are working with neighboring countries such as China, India, Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh. We will work together for border stability and development.” Min Aung Hlaing said in a televised speech from the National Day parade in the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
Myanmar has been in chaos since the military seized power from Suu Kyi’s government on February 1, 2021, detaining her. And other officials and responding to pro-democracy protests. And dissent with brutal force, displacing tens of thousands of people.
Although street protests are now rare after the bloody crackdown. The military is involved in almost daily clashes with minority ethnic forces. And insecurity has spread across parts of the country. As members of the so-called People’s Defense Force have taken up arms to fight back. To democracy.
Meanwhile, Suu Kyi was convicted late last year on five counts of corruption. And jailed for another seven years, wrapping up a marathon trial condemned. As a sham designed to ignore the junta’s biggest threat amid widespread domestic resistance to her rule.
Myanmar thanks some countries for their help
Suu Kyi is being held in solitary confinement at a prison in Naypyitaw. And the military insists she receives due process in an independent court.
Authorities usually release some prisoners to mark the day. Myanmar declares independence from British rule. But, it was not immediately clear. Whether the military would release any political prisoners this time.
Countries such as the United States, the European Union. And Britain and Canada have imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military. And people believed to have helped the junta come to power.
In a further rebuke, the UN Security Council last month adopted. Its first resolution on Myanmar in 74 years, demanding an end to the violence and the release of all political prisoners by the junta.
Referring to international pressure. Min Aung Hlaing commented on the “constraint of countries. And organizations that want to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs”.
Besides, the junta retains some international support. The UN Security Council is divided on how to deal with the Myanmar crisis, with China and Russia arguing against tougher action. They both abstained from last month’s vote on the resolution with India.
Thailand also hosted regional talks last month to discuss the crisis. Including a rare international appearance by junta ministers. Even though several key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, vocal in their criticism of the junta, did not attend.
ASEAN is leading diplomatic peace efforts and Myanmar’s generals have been barred. From high-profile gatherings of the bloc for failing to keep a promise. Open talks with the opposition linked to Suu Kyi’s ousted government.
