Myanmar:UNSC calls for release of Suu Kyi, politicians

The United Nations Security Council has expressed deep concern over the military coup in Myanmar and called for the immediate release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others leaders who were arbitrarily detained. The 15-member counci issued a statement on Thursday -- three days after the military seized power in the Southeast Asian country in a coup and detained top politicians.

"The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military on 1 February and the arbitrary detention of members of the Government, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint and others. They called for the immediate release of all those detained, the Security Council said in a statement. It emphasized the need for the continued support of the democratic transition in Myanmar and further stressed the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence and fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

"The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the restrictions on civil society, journalists and media workers. They also called for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need, including through the re-establishment of United Nations relief flights," the statement added.Council reiterated their strong support to regional organizations, in particular, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and welcomed the ASEAN Chair's Statement dated 1 February. They also reiterated their support to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar for her good offices.