The UN envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, has called on the UN security council to intervene in the escalating crisis in the country. She warned the council of the risk of civil war and an imminent “bloodbath”, as the junta violently represses pro-democracy protests.
Addressing the council at a closed-door session, special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener intimated that the generals who seized power on February 1, are not capable of managing the country.
“I appeal to this council to consider all available tools to take collective action; do what is right, what the people of Myanmar deserve, and prevent a multidimensional catastrophe in the heart of Asia.”
She said she remains open for dialogue with the junta, but warned; “If we wait only for when they are ready to talk, the ground situation will only worsen. A bloodbath is imminent.”
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 520 people have died in pro-democracy protests.
Also, last week, a rebel group seized a military base, causing the military to launch Myanmar’s first airstrikes in 20 years. This, coupled with increased activities of ethnic fighters, has raised fears of a return to armed ethnic conflict.
Commenting on this, Burgener stressed on the need to prevent “further escalation” which can be costly to the world.
“The military’s cruelty is too severe and many [armed ethnic fighters] are taking clear stances of opposition. This is increasing the possibility of civil war at an unprecedented scale.
“Failure to prevent further escalation of atrocities will cost the world so much more in the longer term than investing now in prevention”.
Possibility of action
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, raised the possibility of action if the military does not give up power.
“We’re hopeful that the situation will eventually resolve. And the military will go back to their barracks and allow the democratically elected government to take its place.
“But if they do not do that, and they continue the attacks that they were making on civilian populations, then we have to look at how we might do more.’”
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
She further called on US “allies and regional partners to do” more to stop the violence.
“We need added pressure to stop violence and respect the people’s will, especially from Burma’s neighbours. And it is time for the military’s economic partners, including those facilitating the generals and their families to take a hard look at those relationships.”
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
The United States has already imposed targeted sanctions and suspended a trade pact with Myanmar.
Also, addressing at a press briefing, UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Barbara Woodward called the military’s actions “unacceptable”.
“These violent actions by the military are completely unacceptable and require a strong message from the international community.”
Barbara Woodward
The United Kingdom requested the Security Council meeting in response to the escalating violence in the Asian country.
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