Myanmar rejects a UN resolution calling for an arms embargo

BANGKOK – Myanmar’s foreign ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian state and condemning the military in February for taking power.

Myanmar described the resolution, which was adopted on Friday and which is not legally binding, as “based on one-sided extensive accusations and false assumptions.” A statement issued in the capital, Naypyitaw, said the foreign ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the president of the general assembly.

The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. He called on the military junta to restore the country’s democratic transition, condemned its “excessive and deadly violence” since taking power, and called on all countries “to prevent the influx of weapons into the country.” Myanmar. ”

The resolution also calls on the Myanmar armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as “all those who have been arbitrarily arrested, charged or arrested.” ″

The measure was approved with 119 countries voting “yes”, Belarus – Myanmar’s main arms supplier – voting “no” and 36 countries abstaining, including neighboring Myanmar China and India, along with Russia.

Myanmar’s ambassador to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, who condemned the military takeover in February, voted “yes” and called on the international community “to take the strongest possible action to end the military coup immediately”.

A statement from the Foreign Ministry said Kyaw Moe Tun was fired and noted that he had been accused of treason in Myanmar.

“Accordingly, his statement, participation and actions at the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable, and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements,” it is said.

“While Myanmar accepts the constructive advice of the international community in addressing the challenges facing Myanmar, any attempt to undermine state sovereignty and interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs will not be accepted,” the statement said.

The more powerful UN Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemnation of the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore democratic transition and “exercise extreme restraint” and “refrain from violence on all sides” . “

But it has never been able to condemn the coup or approve an arms embargo or other sanctions due to China’s almost certain veto, and perhaps Russia’s.