Vietnam calls for an end to violence in Myanmar

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, made the call during the UN General Assembly’s meeting on June 18, during which a resolution to discuss the ongoing situation in Myanmar was ratified.

As part of his remarks, Ambassador Quy suggested that the international community continue to assist Myanmar and create a favourable environment for the implementation of these targets in line with the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

He therefore expressed his great concerns about clashes and attacks occurring in Myanmar over recent weeks which killed many people, underlining that it is crucial that civilians in Myanmar are protected from the risk of an all-out civil war.

Though the newly-adopted resolution is incomplete and fails to fully reflect the real situation which is ongoing in Myanmar, Vietnam still casts a yes vote to show its support for dialogue, co-operation, and trust building, said the local diplomat. He added that together alongside ASEAN, the country will work hard to assist Myanmar as it attempts to overcome the current difficult period for the interests of local people, peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the region.

Earlier on the same day, the UN Security Council (UNSC) convened a meeting on Myanmar, during which Erywan bin Pehin Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, in his role as the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2021, briefed participants. They discussed recent efforts taken by the bloc regarding the issues in Myanmar, whilst Christine Schraner Burgener, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, also delivered a report at the meeting.

The Brunei official also moved to highlight ASEAN’s efforts in promoting the seeking of peaceful solutions to the Myanmar issue, especially measures spoken about during his visit to Myanmar in June, as well as the implementation of the five-point consensus reached by the bloc’s leaders on April 24.

All UNSC member countries praised ASEAN’s efforts to promote the peaceful settlement of the Myanmar issue, whilst underscoring the need to speed up the performance of the five-point consensus. They therefore agreed that the ASEAN should appoint a special envoy for Myanmar.

Many countries continued to express grave concerns regarding attacks and acts of violence in Myanmar, whilst calling on all parties to display restraint and participate in dialogues to settle differences.

Upon addressing the meeting, Nguyen Phuong Tra, minister counsellor and deputy permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, said that the country has kept a close watch on developments in Myanmar. They remain worried about conflicts and attacks over recent weeks, as well as the increasing risk of a civil war.

Amid these issues, Vietnam calls on all stakeholders in Myanmar to immediately halt conflicts and other violent activities, reduce tensions, and ensure humanitarian get unhindered access to needy civilians, especially vulnerable groups, she stressed.

Constructive dialogue, co-operation, and trust building measures with people placed at the centre will be decisive factors in dealing with the current situation, she added.

The Vietnamese representative urged all parties in Myanmar to restore trust with each other and the wider international community, underscoring that dialogue cannot be conducted without trust.

As part of the occasion, Tra also praised ASEAN’s efforts and called on all UNSC members and the international community to continue supporting these endeavors and to stand alongside the regional bloc, including in the provision of assistance and humanitarian aid through ASEAN mechanisms.

The same day, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy also chaired a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC)'s Committee on South Sudan (Committee 2206).

Quy, who is also Chairman of Committee 2206, applauded positive developments in the transition process in South Sudan so far this year, especially the establishment of the transitional parliament.

The local diplomat stressed that the UN, the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and neighbouring countries have played an important role in promoting the peace process in South Sudan which is facing many economic difficulties and humanitarian challenges.

He urged the government of South Sudan and relevant parties to further step up cooperation in realizing relevant resolutions of the UNSC, including Resolution 2577, towards removing the arms embargo on South Sudan when conditions permit.

Quy underscored the need to push up dialogue and cooperation between the Panel of Experts on South Sudan (PoE)  and South Sudan, and other regional nations.