Vietnam calls on Myanmar to end violence for civilian safety

A demonstration in Myanmar (Photo: AFP)

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), made the appeal during the UN Security Council’s meeting held on March 5 to discuss the situation in Myanmar.

At present, the country is keeping a close watch on the situation and remains concerned about current developments in Myanmar, especially due to escalating violence and tensions which have caused loss of life and has negatively affected peace, security, and development in Myanmar, the local diplomat said.

The Vietnamese Ambassador told participants that various ASEAN Foreign Ministers had held an informal meeting aimed at discussing issues of shared concern, including the situation in Myanmar, with ASEAN member states making efforts to boost dialogues and seek solutions to resolve this issue.

Moving forward, ASEAN is willing to support Myanmar in a goodwill manner and in accordance with purposes, principles, and procedures as regulated in the ASEAN Charter, Ambassador Quy stressed.

Quy called on UN Security Council members to back ASEAN’s efforts in order to help parties concerned resume dialogues in order to achieve a comprehensive solution to the issue.

The international community should therefore focus on assisting and creating favourable conditions which can put an end to violence, stabilise the situation, maintain humanitarian relief, and narrow differences between concerned parties through efforts in conformity in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

Vietnam is supportive of the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar and encourages closer co-ordination between the Special Envoy and ASEAN, Ambassador Quy stated. Indeed, constructive and co-operative dialogues and measures can help to build trust with local people being put at the centre to address the current situation.

Vietnam backs all efforts towards achieving this goal for the interests of the people of Myanmar and for peace and stability throughout the region, the ambassador said.

During the event, other delegates also expressed concerns over increasing violence which has caused significant losses to civilian lives in Myanmar. They urged for all parties to end the ongoing violence, stabilise the situation, whilst dealing with the issue via dialogue and maintaining humanitarian relief efforts, particularly for women and children.

Participants noted their appreciation for efforts being made by ASEAN and its member states, hoping that the bloc will continue helping to find short-term and long-term solutions to the chaotic situation in Myanmar.