Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun advocates for constitutional reform and inclusive nation-building on US university tour

Mizzima

In a series of high-profile seminars at the University of Chicago and Northern Illinois University, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, called for a fundamental restructuring of Myanmar’s political and legal framework.

During a seminar at the University of Chicago, he met with faculty and students alongside international law expert Professor Dr. Tom Ginsburg. According to a report received by Mizzima on 13 February, the Ambassador highlighted that State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s words, “Provide service to the people,” and serve as a vital motivation for him in fulfilling his duties.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun stated that Aung San Suu Kyi’s appearance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was not to defend the military, but rather to represent the country.

He also mentioned that due to the 2008 Constitution, the State Counsellor did not receive adequate security information from the military, which led to delays in the country’s administration.

During his visit to the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU), he said that the Rohingya issue should be viewed as an integral part of Myanmar’s broader challenges. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution within the context of nation-building rather than addressing it in isolation.

The ambassador suggested that the current citizenship law should be amended in the national interest to enable educated youth abroad, including the Rohingya, to participate in the country’s reconstruction.

Furthermore, he urged neighbouring countries to handle Myanmar’s issues based on humanitarian principles in addition to their own self-interests.