Daniel Kritenbrink, the top US diplomat for East Asia, said there has been “virtually zero progress” on the priority issues, such as the release of political prisoners and the reduction of violence in Myanmar. In addition, while the US supports ASEAN’s efforts, it will continue to put pressure on the Myanmar military junta, he said. 1
During his tour to Australia, Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, called on the international community to convene an emergency summit to address and find solutions to the terrorist acts occurring in Myanmar. He also urged Asia-Pacific countries to halt the flow of arms and funds to the military council. 2
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mohammad Yunus, called for creating an UN-guaranteed safe zone in Arakan State for displaced people in Arakan State, where the ground fighting is raging. This request was made during a meeting in Dhaka, with Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The proposed safe zone aims to aid displaced people and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the Prime Minister said. 3
During the Second Committee meeting of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 10 October in New York, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the erosion of the rule of law and the rampant corruption in Myanmar following the military coup.
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized that the absence of the rule of law and widespread corruption have led to illegal activities, including transnational crime, online scams, human trafficking, and the illegal drug trade. He noted that these issues are undermining the country’s peace and prosperity. 4
The United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice and high-ranking diplomat of the United States Department of State, Ms. Van Schaack, said that the general election planned by the Myanmar military council cannot be a genuine election.
She spoke at a special press conference held together with Julie Turner, US Special Envoy on North Korean human rights issues, on 11 October. Ms. Van Schaack stated that the rise in terrorist acts and incidents throughout Myanmar makes it difficult to conceive of holding elections under conditions where logistics, infrastructure, and security needs are so critical.
Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, asserted, “The election organized by the military council cannot be considered free, fair, or genuine. It is also impossible for the people of Myanmar to freely choose their local and national leaders without facing threats or behind-the-scenes manipulation.” 5
1 US says there has been “virtually zero progress” on issues concerning Myanmar, DVB, 11 October 2024
2 The UN Special Representative calls for an emergency summit on Myanmar, DVB, 11 October 2024
3 The Bangladeshi PM calls for creating a UN-guaranteed safe zone in Arakan State, DVB, 14 October 2024
4 Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun says, the high level of corruption in Myanmar is affecting regional stability, Mizzima, 12 October 2024
5 The election held by the military council cannot be a free, fair and genuine election, US says, DVB, 15 October 2024
