The Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe, gave a diplomatic briefing on the recent developments in Myanmar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon on July 6.
U Khin Maung Oo, Member of the Union Election Commission, U Chan Aye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Thida Tin, Director General of the Media Development Department, Ministry of Information and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, heads of mission, senior diplomats and representatives from diplomatic missions and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Myanmar attended the briefing.
During the briefing, the Union Minister briefed on the Myanmar Government’s efforts for peace, prosperity and democracy, including lawful and peaceful measures in line with the Five-Point Roadmap.
Despite numerous challenges such as a global pandemic, fraudulent elections and associated instability, natural disaster (cyclone Mocha), geopolitical impacts and challenges posed by media warfare, efforts for peace, development and democracy are underway through the launching of law-enforcement actions and rewards to participate in the political process by peaceful means, he said.
He also briefed on the implementation of the ASEAN five-point consensus, particularly paving the way for cessation of violence, inclusive dialogues and provision of humanitarian assistance, the most important points of the ASEAN five-point consensus.
The Union Minister gave a comprehensive account on efforts of successive governments for peace process over the past 33 years with notable achievement of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with EAOs following the 5,000 rounds of negotiation.
The Union Minister also underlined that Tatmadaw strictly followed the peace agreement by not making first strikes, and only taking actions for the purpose of defending innocent civilians with maximum restraints and minimum use of force in line with the Rules of Engagement in the Geneva Convention.
The Union Minister also underscored terrorist activities committed by the so-called PDF claiming more than 5,938 innocent lives (4,878 civilians and 1,060 public service personnel), committing destructive activities and obstructing government’s efforts to restore normalcy and democracy.
While informing Myanmar governments' endeavors in fostering peace and harmony among communities in the Rakhine State, Union Minister updated the progress made in the implementation of the bilateral agreements between Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 and 2018, and for the early commencement of repatriating verified displaced persons.
Union Minister also briefed on the measures for the recovery and resettlement of victims of Cyclone Mocha in cooperation with regional and international community.
The Briefing was followed by the question and answer session. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe the documents, photos, and charts displayed in the briefing hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
