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SAC publishes full description of discussion between Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and UN special envoy Noeleen Heyzer

Published 20 August 2022

State Administration Council of Myanmar published the full description of discussion between its Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar Noleen Heyzer saying that statement released by office of special envoy was one-sided and created misunderstanding among international communities and public.

Full description is as follows.

Full description of discussions between SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar.

UPON the meeting between Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Ms Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, the one-sided statement of the Special Envoy created misunderstandings about Myanmar by the international community and the public and thus, the discussions of the meeting are fully described.

1. Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Ms Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, met on 17 August 2022 and the Special Envoy issued an unconstructive statement regarding the meeting.

2. At the meeting, they agreed to restrain in releasing news in order to maintain further cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations.

3. Introduction by Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar I came here as an old friend of Myanmar and I will try my best to support the country.

The issues related to Myanmar are multidimensional with many challenges. I would like to address those challenges based on four points. First, I would like to have continued dialogue and engagement between us. I have realized that the State Administration Council of Myanmar has been implementing the nine objectives. Second, I would like to discuss how to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. I have learned the last point of the three political objectives which stated that Myanmar practices “independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and upholds the principles of peaceful co-existence among nations. We also share the principle of peaceful co-existence among countries. As for myself, I will extend assistance to implement that policy into action. United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres is the guardian of the United Nations Charter. The specific provision of the Charter stated sovereignty. I’ve noticed that Myanmar stated itself as a sovereign country. The United Nations was established with the aim of preventing future conflicts and crises in the world. The most important are peace and security. Speaking of sovereignty, the UN always recognizes and respects the sovereignty of states.

I have noted well what you have said that to develop Myanmar’s economy, it is to focus on the agriculture sector. I also welcome the point of running the economy suitable to the current situation. I personally invited an economist to come and observe the economy of Myanmar. Myanmar is a country with rich natural resources. However, those resources are still untapped. The said economist made comments that it is necessary for Myanmar to utilize the untapped resources for development. Myanmar is one of the first countries which signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I appreciate such a meritorious record in Myanmar’s history. You have the power to shape the future of Myanmar and of the next generations. It can be clearly seen how and which approach Myanmar will take in implementing the nine objectives.

I would like to make some requests that would become the foundation of our future engagement. I hope my suggestions and requests will also pave the way to building an inclusive and prosperous country.

4. Discussion by Prime Minister, Chairman of State Administration Council

As this is our first meeting, I have given you the floor first to deliberate your ideas in order to learn your perspectives. Currently, I am taking responsibility to lead the Myanmar Government. In this regard, we have been carrying out our duty for the betterment of Myanmar. However, my tenure as the Head of the Government is limited. The aforementioned matters that you have pointed out are to be implemented by the incoming government after the General Election. Legally speaking, the President is eligible to take two consecutive terms (ten years). The said matters are also be implemented by the elected President during his ten-year tenure. At present, the Government is taking its responsibilities in accordance with the provision of the state of emergency. What is more important in particular is how to cooperate between us and it is more appropriate to address this issue.

perate between us and it is more appropriate to address this issue. The economic sector of Myanmar lacks in many ways. For instance, you have also mentioned earlier that Myanmar’s abundant natural resources are lacking the required technology. Indeed, the natural resources above and underground are just the reserves of the country and I am considering how to utilize the land, soil and human resources to develop the country.

Even though it is more preferable to bring about the country’s development through human resources rather than relying on the use of natural resources, there is no capacity enough to do so. It doesn’t mean whether I accept or reject your views. I would like to discuss Myanmar and the United Nations. Myanmar gained her independence in 1948 and became a member of the United Nations subsequently. It will turn the 75th year of Myanmar’s participation in the United Nations soon. The then Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, attended the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) of the establishment of the UN. Moreover, Myanmar has been complying with the UN Charter.

There were conflicts between the Eastern and Western blocs during the Cold War that occurred chaos and instability in the world. Similarly, the present era is on the blink of facing instabilities. I see it indeed imperative to avoid such circumstances. Myanmar has never violated the Charter of the United Nations until now. Likewise, the United Nations should take the approach of treating its members in accordance with the Charter. In doing so, the members would be able to entrust their faith to the United Nations. Developing countries like Myanmar are looking forward to receiving peace and tranquillity under the umbrella of the United Nations. Such privilege is indeed necessary for the member countries.

It is our understanding that the role of the United Nations is to support the areas which are facing challenges, difficulties and hardship. You have mentioned earlier the Secretary-General of the United Nations as the guardian of the UN Charter. Not only Myanmar is a member of the UN but also a Myanmar citizen, U Thant, who served as the Secretary General of the United Nations. I met and discussed with former UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan three times. The UN Secretary-General should be the reliable person of member countries in order to make the consultation on good or bad things.

I have been serving as Commander-in-Chief of Tatmadaw since 2011 which turns 11 years. Through the experience received during these years, I regret to observe that the statements by the United Nations are one-sided. Accordingly, I am of the view that you, in your capacity as the special envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, should overcome this issue as a priority.

The mandate of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar was created 30 years ago. To improve the relations between Myanmar and the United Nations, we have constructively engaged with the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar. I do not have any personal feelings for you. With the aim to cooperate with the United Nations, I have agreed to meet you. Although there are many difficulties, we have facilitated your visit to Myanmar. It was stated not to interfere in the domestic affairs of the sovereign state. Myanmar exercises the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and it has clearly stated in Myanmar’s Foreign Policy. Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are included in the Five Principles.

The Tatmadaw took the responsibility of the State after declaring a state of emergency in accordance with the State Constitution (2008). While Myanmar has been taking lawful measures, it is incomprehensible why the United Nations does not acknowledge it and there are many questions around. While the United Nations has been talking about non-interference, I wish to get a clarification on why the United Nations does not realize the measures we have taken. It is learned that you landed in Myanmar with the Singapore airline on 16 August 2022 as Myanmar is in stability. Otherwise, the Singapore airline will not fly to Myanmar and sixteen commercial airlines have been operating in our country. You spent three hours at the Yangon International Airport and landed at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport in the evening. You would more realize the situation on the ground if you travelled from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw by car and looked around Yangon instead of taking the flight. It is more appropriate to make comments on Myanmar only after realizing the real situation of the country.

We cannot understand that the United Nations have issued many statements, expressing their concerns about Myanmar while the situation in Myanmar has gained stability. Indeed, we have been carrying out the matters relating to the rule of law and stability in accordance with the law. The Tatmadaw has been taking responsibility based on the needs of the State and the Government has been established pursuant to the 2008 State Constitution. As we are the Government that legitimately abides by the law, all matters are to be done according to the law. This is what the United Nations should take into consideration. We also wish to highlight that there are also many discrepancies between their perception and the reality on the ground. Myanmar has been facing many difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The economic sector has contracted in the face of the second and third waves of COVID-19 in Myanmar. The Myanmar Government has made every endeavour to overcome these challenges and on the other hand, has been looking forward to cooperation with organizations such as the United Nations. But we have not received any assistance. The WHO itself, which has implemented the principle of the United Nations “Leaving No One Behind”, has not rendered any assistance to Myanmar. This is very distressing. This is also a life-and-death matter. Even if it was a war-torn state, aid was given at the end of human suffering. In this regard, we are of the view that there is no reason not to render assistance when Myanmar is facing challenges. Fortunately, Myanmar’s neighbouring and friendly countries, particularly Thailand, China and India have provided a lot of assistance to Myanmar. Such provision has helped save numerous lives in Myanmar. ASEAN, through AHA Centre, has only rendered a few assistance to Myanmar. Myanmar, in its own effort, has been making every endeavour. While Myanmar has been facing numerous difficulties, the UN side has given us under pressure. Not only the United Nations but also the ASEAN has been, in several ways, putting a lot of pressure on Myanmar. Although we were trying to elucidate, our representative was not accepted.

It is necessary for the United Nations to review the decision made by the Credentials Committee regarding Myanmar’s representation at the United Nations fora. This is the very first matter to be solved in the area of cooperation with the United Nations.

We wish to highlight the political situation in Myanmar. The Tatmadaw has conducted necessary measures to pave the way for multiparty democracy in Myanmar. The State Constitution was not drafted by the Tatmadaw but portrayed by over 1,000 individuals from 8 strata of citizens in the country including political experts, civil servants, farmers and workers. There are many armed groups who are taking their paths towards multiparty democracy. Nonetheless, some countries have not noticed the fact that the Tatmadaw has brought armed organizations to the table for peace and stability. The Tatmadaw is well aware of the fact that armed conflicts should be prevented while moving towards democracy. In this regard, the Tatmadaw has invited all the ethnic armed organizations to peace dialogues and held discussions for them to become legally armed organizations as part of the Tatmadaw. However, KNU, KNPP and KIA have not joined the peaceful path but kept holding arms. Up to date, there are over 20 battalions from ethnic armed organizations who are joining as part of the Tatmadaw and taking their duties. They have still existed as legitimate armed organizations, joining as part of the Tatmadaw. But this situation has never been mentioned by anyone.

There were three General Elections in Myanmar in 2010, 2015 and 2020. The 2010 General Election was organized in 325 townships out of 330, the 2015 General Election was organized in 323 townships, and the 2020 General Election was organized in 315 townships respectively. It is found that the decline of areas where the General Elections were taken place. Although the area where the General Elections were organized should be increased, the areas were decreasing due to instability, armed conflicts and threats. In a democratic system, it is vital to hold elections. Losing the right to vote is a negative sign for the democratic system. It is the duty of the government or the institution that takes the responsibility of the state to ensure everyone who has the right to vote can cast his/her vote. Therefore, it is the first priority for the country to have stability. While the country is striving for political stability, terrorist activities were taken place after the 2020 General Election without following democratic principles. Due to the terrorist attacks, the country’s stability was affected. It was also affected by the issues with ethnic armed organizations and the denial to address electoral fraud. The terrorist activities and existence of threats posed by the ethnic armed organizations create difficulties to convene the General Elections. With regard to the violence, we are not committing the such act but defending the terrorist attacks against the government and civil servants. Very recently, this morning (on 17 August), the terrorist abducted the passengers from the highway bus and passengers and terrorists were killed during the skirmish on the bridge in Sagaing Region located in the western part of the Mandalay Region.

The so-called PDFs have killed the educational staff, medical staff and monks. Those terrorist acts resulted from the General Election. However, the International Community never mentions the violence and cites that the State and Administration Council have not been carrying it out in a democratic way. Myanmar wishes the United Nations review to the real situation in Myanmar.

5. Discussion on the proposal of the ASEAN’s Special Envoy on Myanmar and ASEAN’s Five-Point consensus

It is necessary to build mutual respect and understanding to maintain the situation properly. I also accept the fact that the reporting should be made based on the situation on the ground. Firstly, I would like to propose that there should be consistent meetings between us and make progress. The second point is the legitimacy of the Myanmar Government and the representation of Myanmar at the United Nations. The Secretary General of the United Nations does not have the mandate to decide the representation and the recognition of Myanmar at the United Nations. Only the member states of the United Nations can recognize Myanmar’s representation. Accordingly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has been seeking all possible means to assist Myanmar. One of the five-point consensuses of ASEAN is the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar which is an important point in finding solutions in Myanmar. I am the one who mentions that the violence is made by both sides as well as the one who firstly acknowledges the usage of “Myanmar Led, Myanmar Way”.

6. Positive responses of the Chair of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

You have stated that you will be engaging with other stakeholders in your future visits to Myanmar depending on the observation of the situation. You have to report to the officials concerned. Their responses and remarks highly depend on your reports. We will also observe what you report and how you report the outcomes of the visit. It is important to have a mutual understanding between us.

We have been responding to the terrorist activities by exercising maximum restraint but we will have to counter-attack if they attack us and innocent people. With regard to the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, I have yet touched on this issue until now. I just referred to the five principles of peaceful coexistence which our country is adhering to such as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. We are dealing with the international community in accordance with the five principles of peaceful coexistence. Your visit to Myanmar is the official visit and we have received you at the President’s Office. Your visit is a visit to a country possessing sovereignty and territorial integrity. If you don’t accept the proposal of Myanmar, a member of the UN, you (UN) should not accept the proposal made by opposition groups.

7. Discussion of the UN Special Envoy on the development of Myanmar

I have no mandate to make any decisions but to point out and discuss the development of Myanmar. The purpose of calling on you in Myanmar is to convey the message of the Secretary-General. I would like to make two specific requests to you which are to halt the aerial bombing and to stop burning the villages and houses of the people.

8. Response of the Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council

I would like to discuss the two requests you made. We are just targeting the location of the insurgents who attack security forces and counter them. We will never initiate the attack if there is no attack on us. And there is no government and country in the world that accepts armed attacks. I categorically reject the allegation of burning the villages and houses of the people. The Tatmadaw always protects the people of Myanmar. Tatmadaw has been providing relief services to people whenever they are hit by natural disasters.

For example, with the permission of the Government, the Nippon Foundation has provided assistance to refugees in Myanmar. There are also other organizations which have provided assistance to them. It is common sense that we would never burn and destroy the houses of people for whom we are responsible to protect. Therefore, I totally deny the alleged burning of villages.

9. The proposal of the UN special envoy on the cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations

Since Myanmar is a member of the United Nations with a good legacy, Mr Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, wishes Myanmar to re-engage with the UN. We value and respect Myanmar. Secondly, I would like to discuss the execution of the death penalty on prisoners. Regardless of past executions, I hope that leniency and humanitarianism will be taken into consideration for flexibility on further execution.

As you are a kind-hearted person, I do believe that leniency will be taken into consideration for execution in the future. Thirdly, I would like to discuss how the provision of humanitarian assistance will proceed. I would like to encourage you to provide humanitarian assistance by using different channels. I also had a meeting with Mr Prak Sokhonn, Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair, right before my visit to Myanmar. Mr Prak Sokhonn said he had a meeting with Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Union Minister at the Ministry of Union Government’s Office and the Chair of the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee and discussed the possible ways for the inclusion of all Ethnic Armed Organizations in the peace process. I would like to have a meeting with Lieutenant General Yar Pyae during my visit if the schedule permits. I took note that during the visit of Mr Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, it was stated that Myanmar would carry out constructive and all-inclusive consultations.

10.Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister apprising on matters related to works implemented by the State Administration Council –

We are working on holding inclusive dialogues. We are meeting with the Ethnic Armed Organization (EAOs) and the Union Election Commission (UEC) is also meeting with political parties. Lt-Gen Yar Pyae is also holding meetings with both political parties and the EAOs. If you wish to meet with Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, we can arrange a meeting for you to discuss with him on 18 August 2022. We wish to meet with all stakeholders. However, for us to meet with them, those groups opposing the State first need to cease all their activities. Otherwise, we cannot have dialogue like having a casual talk on the sidewalks. We also need a gentlemen’s agreement. On 22 April 2022, I invited the EAOs for dialogue. So far, I have met with ten EAOs and in the coming week, we will be having a second round of dialogues with them. And, we will be meeting again in September for the third round of meetings. We are also meeting with political parties. Even though we can arrange meetings with legally existing political parties at any time, it is absolutely impossible to discuss with the terrorist groups which are opposing the Government. They, first, need to assure us that they will not commit terrorist attacks and if they comply, then, we will find ways to start the dialogue with them. Regarding the death sentences, even though we have legislative, executive and judicial powers, we have never exercised beyond the laws. They were given sentences that they deserved, as they were found to have committed inhumane brutal crimes. Some of them have murdered 4, 5 or 6 persons. We would like to ask how you would feel if your relatives were killed. We have to take necessary legal actions with a view to the prevalence of the rule of law in the country.

11.In Response to the issues raised by the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar with regard to legal actions against children

Mr Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations is exploring ways to bring Myanmar back to the international community. If Myanmar releases political prisoners, it will build more trust for Myanmar in the international fora. I know that it will be difficult for Myanmar. Moreover, if Myanmar could release Mr Sean Turnell, an Australian Economist, it will demonstrate friendly relations between Myanmar and Australia. I know that you accord priority to children’s education. So, if the children are detained in prisons, I would like to request you to release them.

12.Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister’s Response relate to actions in line with existing laws

Regarding the issue of children, we have a few numbers of detainees who are 16 and 17 years old. We have leniently sentenced them. With regard to the case of Mr Sean Turnell, should the Australian Government takes positive steps, we will not need to take stern actions. In the Mr Sean Turnell’s case, the evidence shows that severe penalties could be imposed. The terrorist attacks in Myanmar claimed over 3,500 innocent civilians including 48 teachers, 12 healthcare staff, 53 monks, 1 nun and including 82 children. These innocent civilians were murdered without committing any crime. We would like to know how to find solace for the members of the bereaved families and relatives. As Mr Antonio Guterres represents the whole world, I represent Myanmar. Therefore, I am responsible to ensure public security, and the rule of law and restoring democracy in Myanmar.

13. Discussions pertaining to Bengali Issues by Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar

As the fifth point, I would like to discuss the ongoing issue between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Since I plan to visit Bangladesh after Myanmar, I would like to discuss over 1.2 million refugees who are sheltering in Bangladesh. Currently, I have already learnt that the two Governments have reached agreements on the return of the displaced persons, and over 1,000 displaced persons were repatriated under the pilot project. I would also like to discuss the arrangements for the safe return of refugees to the Rakhine State and their sustainable development. (Notes: During the discussion, the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar did not use the word “Rohingya”.)

14. Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister’s response on matters pertaining to solving the Bengali issue in accord with the bilateral agreements and existing laws -

We have reached an agreement with Bangladesh to repatriate the Bengali who fled to Bangladesh. In 1992, there were four agreed points between Myanmar and Bangladesh regarding the matter. The first point is repatriation must be on a voluntary basis while other points include that they need to prove that they were born or have resided in the country. In 2017, in addition to those agreed four points, we agreed to add one additional point. That is, those newly born need to have an affidavit from the Courts. We have agreed to receive them back. However, they have not returned to Myanmar. While we have requested the lists of refugees from the Bangladeshi side, they failed to provide the verification forms agreed by both sides. Therefore, we have difficulties in proceeding with verification. Among the 55 million population in Myanmar, five per cent profess Islam. There have not been any major issues in Myanmar with the people who practise Islam. You can discuss the matter when you visit Bangladesh and we are also ready to discuss the matter anytime. Although we have invited several times, they have been giving excuses which resulted in no progress on the matter. The major issue here is we cannot accept the term “Rohingya” which they themselves have claimed that they are not Bangladeshi but of Bengali race. We will accept the refugees in Bangladesh only after a thorough verification process in accord with our existing law but not through international demands. We are not saying that we will not take back the Bengalis. We will accept if they can prove that they have resided in the country. We have also requested our neighbours China and India regarding this matter.

Myanmar has good relations with four neighbouring countries out of five, except Bangladesh. Myanmar does not have the right to choose which country should be a neighbouring country. Nevertheless, Myanmar will maintain positive relations with Bangladesh.

15.Discussion on former State Counsellor by the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar

The last fact I would like to discuss is the return of former State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to her home before she was convicted. I wish to request to have a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I regard her as a person, who can negotiate with those who have different perspectives on Myanmar’s current developments.

16.Discussion on legal actions taken on former State Counsellor by Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council

In 1960, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi went abroad with her mother, without returning to her home country until 1988. She returned to Myanmar due to the health condition of her mother. When she returned, she was involved in political matters in Myanmar. I have met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi several times and the last time in January 2021. I requested Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to address the election fraud in accordance with laws. Although we requested several times, she even carried out further illegal activities without addressing the issue of electoral fraud. Therefore, legal actions were taken against her. If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had addressed the electoral fraud lawfully, the current situation wouldn’t have happened. There are many reasons behind not being able to solve the problems lawfully. Therefore, we will have to take lawful actions against her. Depending on the circumstances after the completion of the judiciary process, we will consider how to proceed. Although we can take more serious action against her, we are lenient on her.

 However, if we have to compare priorities between democracy and anti-democracy, we will prioritize democracy and we will carry out the appropriate action that we should do. Regarding the prosecution, as an example, Mr Najib Razak, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia was also convicted in court. A similar legal punishment was inflicted upon Ms Park Geun-hye, the former President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). As all of them are politicians, they have the obligation to understand the law and abide by the law. Due to this obligation, they have the responsibility to solve the problems by legal means. Similarly, in the case of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Administration Council (SAC) has taken legal actions in accordance with the law. At the present time, it is too early to say how it would proceed. Besides, we have given special privilege to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by letting her stay in a home-like arrangement. I am also interested in the Charter of the United Nations that you showed me and I also have one. However, the UN Charter should not be only on paper but to follow in practice.

17.Exclusive Explanation

It is observed that the statement issued by the Special Envoy on 17 August 2022 does not follow the code of conduct which requires the UN personnel to fairly incorporate the responses given by the government in their public statements. The statement could mislead the international community and create misunderstanding among the public. 

The Press Statement of the Special Envoy was based on the misinformation provided by the illegal and terrorist organizations in the country and abroad without reflecting the comprehensive explanation of Myanmar’s side with facts, evidence and the actual incidents that had happened in reality. The discussion of the two sides is released because of the one-sided press statement made by the Special Envoy without reflecting the comprehensive explanation of the Myanmar side. Such a statement can cause obstacles to the constructive discussions/ dialogue between the two sides.

Information Team State

Administration Council

Myanmar MOFA responds Peter Vowel's tweet

Published 14 July 202
Myanmar SAC's MOFA today responded to the tweet by Peter Vowels, British Diplmomat and the following is a full statement.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to the tweet by Mr. Peter Vowles
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed that a twitter post by Mr. Peter Vowles from the British Embassy in Myanmar on 13 July 2022 citing the reason for his departure from Myanmar does not turn out to be true and is far from reality.
The Ministry wishes to recall that following the proposal made by the UK Government to appoint Mr. Peter Vowles as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 29 April 2021, the Myanmar Government has accorded the agrément to the proposed appointment on 22 June 2021. Upon his arrival in Myanmar on 29 July 2021, for various reasons, Mr. Peter Vowles as an Ambassador-Designate failed to present his true copy of credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar and his credentials to the Head of State as per the diplomatic practices.
In view of the above reasons, the Ministry placed restrictions on his entry visa. In the meantime, the UK side informed that the UK government was withdrawing the proposed appointment of Mr. Peter Vowles as British Ambassador to Myanmar, and he will serve as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the British Embassy in Yangon. The Ministry, therefore, informed the UK side to nominate another person in lieu of Mr. Peter Vowles as Chargé d’ Affaires of the British Embassy in Yangon as the Myanmar Government had already accorded agrément to the proposed appointment of Mr. Peter Vowles as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Nothern Ireland to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Afterwards, upon request by the UK side, the Ministry granted permission for Mr. Peter Vowles to return to Myanmar to collect his personal belongings from 21 June 2022 to 15 July 2022. As such, Mr. Peter Vowles has left Myanmar before his visa expires.
It is observed that Mr. Peter Vowles intended to serve as British Ambassador in Myanmar without presenting his credentials violating the well-established diplomatic ethics and Codes of Conduct. In this regard, Mr. Peter Vowles had to leave Myanmar as the Myanmar Government has acted in accordance with diplomatic practices as a sovereign state.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Dated, 14 July 202

SG Min Aung Hlaing discusses defense cooperation with Russia's MOD

Published 12 July 2022

Myanmar SAC Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing had a working meeting with Senior officials from Ministry of defense attending on behalf of the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoiguat at MOD in Moscow on Monday.

The meeting was attended by SAC Chairman SG Min Aung Hlaing, Joint Secretary of the Council Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung; Senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, U Lwin Oo, Myanmar Ambassador to Russia and Brigadier General Moe Kyaw of the Myanmar Military Attaché to Russiaand Senior officials from the Russian military.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on ways to enhance existing friendship and military-technical cooperation between the two armed forces. The Myanmar military to continue in participating in defense capabilities competitions and exercises in Russia. The two sides also exchanged views on the current political situation in Myanmar and the ongoing cooperation between the two governments and the two armed forces in various fields, according to MRTV, state broadcaster of Myanmar.

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