UN Chief Antonio Guterres Slams Myanmar’s Military Junta For Violence, Wants International Community To Help End Repression

File Picture

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that he is appalled by the escalating violence in Myanmar and urged the international community to work collectively and bilaterally to help bring an end to the repression by the country’s military.

Secretary-General Guterres also noted with concern that the killing of demonstrators and arbitrary arrests by the military in Myanmar are in clear defiance of calls by the UN Security Council for restraint, dialogue and a return to the democratic path in the country.

Guterres urged the international community to work collectively and bilaterally to help bring an end to the repression by Myanmar’s military, a statement issued by the spokesperson for the UN chief said on Monday.

“He urges the military to allow a visit by his Special Envoy as an important element in calming down the situation and setting the stage for dialogue and return to democracy, it said.

The statement added that Guterres is appalled by the escalating violence in Myanmar at the hands of the country’s military.

“The killing of demonstrators, arbitrary arrests and the reported torture of prisoners violate fundamental human rights,” it said.

Guterres said he will continue to stand with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations.

Myanmar’s military toppled the country’s government on February 1 and seized power for one year, detaining top political figures, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.