Update: Myanmar and the UN Process
The United Nations General Assembly has begun its annual fall session. During this session, it has convenved the Credentials Committee, which decides who represents the official government of Myanmar (and several other countries). Thus far, the UN has retained the Delegate who is the representative of the National Unity Government, Kyaw Moe Tun. However, his representation was limited by Russia and China, who accepted his position so long as he never spoke during the UN Session, thereby denying a public voice to the National Unity Government. The official and final selection of the UN Delegate and thus the legitimate government of Myanmar will not be decided until November.
On Sept. 23, 2021 President Biden spoke at the UN on the US’ commitment to the restoration of Burma’s path to democracy.
Speaking before the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden delivered the message that democracy is everywhere. “It lives in the anti-corruption activists, the human rights defenders, the journalists, the peace protestors on the frontlines of this struggle in Belarus, Burma, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, and everywhere in between.”
In meetings with international partners September 23 at the General Assembly in New York, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior U.S. officials underscored the urgent need to press Burma’s military regime to end its violent rule.
On Sept. 23, 2021, the US State Dept. Representative, Counselor Derek Chollet, met in New York with Burmese UN Permanent Representative Kyaw Moe Tun. He also met with representatives of Burma’s National Unity Government (NUG). They highlighted the importance of a swift return to democracy and rule of law in Burma, as well as respect for human rights and equality, including members of all ethnic and religious groups. They exchanged views on strengthening cooperation to assist the people of Burma to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Counselor also expressed appreciation for the NUG’s leadership and dedication to the people of Burma in the face of the horrific violence perpetrated by the Burmese military regime. Finally, he reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for all those working toward the peaceful restoration of Burma’s path to democracy.
Though not official, this is tantamount to US acceptance of the National Unity Government as the legitimate and democratically elected government of Mynamar, and a repudiation of the Tatmadaw’s military coup and its self-appointed rule by their SAC (Special Advisory Council).
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