Former United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar during his meeting with junta leaders in Nay Pyi Taw.
At the invitation of the junta, Mr. Ban Ki-moon visited Nay Pyi Taw on 23 and 24 April. He met with junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and former President U Thein Sein.
“I came to Myanmar to urge the military to adopt an immediate cessation of violence, and start constructive dialogue among all parties concerned,” Ban Ki-moon said in the statement by the Elders.
Ban Ki-moon called on the junta to implement a five-point consensus of ASEAN and find a path to an end to violence and establish a peaceful, democratic, inclusive and legitimate government, according to the statement.
Ban Ki-moon visited Myanmar as Deputy Chair of The Elders. The Elders was founded by former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela in 2007. It is an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.
Regarding the meeting, Major-General Zaw Min Tun, Spokesperson of the military council told the media that “Both sides mainly exchanged views on the current situations in Myanmar. We held a constructive talk.”
Politicians and the public are interested in the impact of Ban Ki-moon’s tour on the current situations in Myanmar.
During his tour to Myanmar, Mr. Ban Ki-moon did not meet with jailed former State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
U Tha Tun Hla, Chair of the Arakan National Party said: “Ban Ki-moon’s tour will have no big impact on the military, political, conflict and human rights situations caused by the military coup. Yesterday, he went back. I think the one-night visit by Ban Ki-moon did not reach the stage of finding the solution to Myanmar’s complex political problem.”
U Ye Tun (Thibaw), a political analyst said: “Mr. Ban Ki-moon discussed the current situations in Myanmar with the military council. He will certainly ask the army to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi if the military council’s invitation is aimed for mediation. His tour will have no significant impact as he did not meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.”
The National Unity Government (NUG) is dissatisfied with Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s tour to Myanmar without prior coordination. Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s tour amounts to recognizing the military council.
It should not be, U Moe Zaw Oo, Deputy Foreign Minister of the NUG told the RFA.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)