The UN Security Council Throws Out Myanmar-Resolution Resolutions: Requesting Ended Violence, Russia And China Absolute

Illustration of the Myanmar security forces arresting protesters. (Wikimedia Commons/Sithumen/VOA)

JAKARTA - The UN Security Council for the first time in 74 years adopted Myanmar-related resolutions, demanding an end to violence and urging the release of all political prisoners, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar has been in crisis since the army took power over Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, 2021, detaining her and other officials and responding to protests and pro-democracy dissent with lethal force.

"Today we have sent a firm message to the military that they should not hesitate - we hope this resolution will be implemented in full," said British Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward after the vote on a UK-designed resolution.

"We have also sent a clear message to the people of Myanmar that we are seeking progress in accordance with their rights, desires and interests," Woodward told the 15-member council.

The UN DK has long been divided on how to deal with the Myanmar crisis, with China and Russia against the crackdown. The two countries abstained from the vote on Wednesday, along with India. Meanwhile, the remaining 12 members voted in favor.

"China still has concerns," China's UN Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote.

"There is no quick solution to this problem. Whether it can be solved properly or not in the end, depending on the basis, and only, on Myanmar itself."

He said China wanted the Security Council to adopt an official statement about Myanmar, not a resolution.

Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow does not view the situation in Myanmar as a threat to international peace and security and therefore believes it should not be handled by the UN Security Council.

The resolution adopted reveals "deep concern", in the continuing state of emergency imposed by the military when seizing power and "serious impact" on the Myanmar people.

This calls for "concrete and immediate action" to implement a peace plan approved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), issuing calls for "high-achieving institutions and the democratic process, to pursue constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the wishes and interests of all parties."

Separately, Myanmar's Ambassador to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun, who still holds UN seats and represents Suu Kyi's government, said that despite the positive elements in the resolution, the Government of National Unity (NUG) - which consists of remnants of the ousted government - would prefer stronger text.

"We are clear this is only the first step. "The Government of National Unity asks UN DK (to build) this resolution to take further and stronger action to ensure the end of the military junta and its crimes," he told reporters.

It is known that the only other resolution adopted by the Security Council was in 1948, when the agency recommended the UN General Assembly to recognize Myanmar - then Burma - as a member of the world body.