Myanmar now in conflict, could be failed state: UN Envoy

The United Nations has warned that February's military takeover in Myanmar has led to armed conflict and if power isn't returned to the people in a democratic way the country will go in the direction of a failed state. The UN Special Envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told a news conference that conflict between the military and civilians and ethnic minorities is intensifying in many parts of the country. She said, the repression of the military has led to more than 1,180 deaths. Ms. Burgener added that the army uses a range of tactics against civilian populations, including burning villages, looting properties, mass arrests, torture and execution of prisoners, gender-based violence and random artillery fire into residential areas.
Ms. Burgener said, the military is conducting clearing operations in Chin and several other states and there is continued fighting in Kachin and Shan states. As for recognition of the military junta, she said, the nine-member General Assembly Credentials Committee, which is expected to meet in November, will decide whether it takes over Myanmar's UN seat now held by the Ambassador appointed by Suu Kyi's government. She stressed that the UN want to respect the will of the people which reflected last November when Suu Kyi's party won 80 per cent of the votes. Ms. Burgener said, the decision of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations not to invite the junta leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, to their upcoming summit is a clear signal that they also agreed together that the current situation is unacceptable.