October 17, 2024.
The military junta stated, “We must ensure there is absolutely no peace in that region as long as we do not regain our control,” according to Myanmar’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun, who criticized the ongoing bombings on civilians.
During a speech at the 79th UN General Assembly held on October 14 in New York, U Kyaw Moe Tun made these remarks while addressing the disarmament and international security committee.
Some UN member states are reportedly assisting the military junta to ensure the loss of lives among the Myanmar populace, providing increased shipments of aviation fuel, military aircraft, and related technologies. U Kyaw Moe Tun highlighted that aerial attacks targeting civilians have intensified significantly in the latter half of this year, particularly in areas controlled by resistance groups, instilling fear among the civilian population.
He stated that the military junta openly expresses, “We must ensure there is absolutely no peace in that region as long as we do not regain our control,” underscoring their brutal actions. Despite calls for action, some member states continue to support the junta, contributing to civilian deaths through increased supply of aviation fuel, military aircraft, and related technologies.
The ambassador pointed out that since the military coup, aerial strikes have escalated nationwide, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
He emphasized that traditional weapons have led to countless losses of life, and the accessibility of these arms has also caused significant casualties among non-combatants, making Myanmar a part of this alarming trend.
U Kyaw Moe Tun noted that since the MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) took control of Laiza, the largest town in Shan State, the military has consistently bombed the area and threatened civilians in regions where there are opponents to the junta.
Over the past four months, the military has conducted an average of seven airstrikes daily across the country, normalizing civilian casualties and destruction.
He expressed sorrow over the current state of the UN’s motto, “Leaving no one behind,” stating that the situation is unfortunate and reflects a harsh reality. Myanmar has been severely lagging due to over a century of military domination.
The recent military coup in 2021 has plunged the nation further into regression, and although the ambassador called on member states to cease arms shipments and air fuel supply to the military, there has been a lack of meaningful response from some member states. He urged that requests for the protection of civilians from the junta’s execution and a focus on Myanmar’s stability, peace, and the protection of lives could be best addressed by simply halting the transfer of military aircraft fuel and related supplies, which would be the easiest form of assistance.
