NLD, state and federal-unit parliaments and interim governments urge ASEAN not to ignore the Myanmar people’s will

Mizzima

The National League for Democracy (NLD), committees representing state parliaments, federal unit parliaments and interim governments sent an open letter to ASEAN leaders on 3 November urging them to make sure engagement with what the signatories call the “military coup leader” does not disregard the people’s will and produces practical political results. Min Aung Hlaing became president in April under a government installed after a junta-run election that many considered a “sham”.

The letter says lasting peace and stability can come only from the people’s will on the country’s future. It says engagement with the military should not be an end in itself and must not give the junta political legitimacy without measurable progress. It asks that engagement be judged by whether it helps end violence, free Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners, restore democracy and produce an inclusive political process, which the signatories say matches ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and UN Security Council Resolution 2669.

Citing the 28 September airstrike near a market in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, the letter calls on ASEAN to act more decisively to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law. At least 49 people were killed and 58 wounded in that attack, the Arakan Army and a rescue official told the AP. The letter warns that a perception of impunity for the junta could damage ASEAN’s credibility and dignity.

The signatories include the NLD; the committees representing state parliaments of Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Shan; the Chinland Council and Government; the federal unit parliaments of Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Yangon and Ayeyarwady; the interim governments of Sagaing and Magway; the Tanintharyi Region Parliament; and the Mandalay Regional Parliament and Interim Administrative Council.