In Myanmar, the army, which detained state counselors Aung San Suu Kyi and carried out a coup d'etat, is stepping up its sovereignty, including announcing a major change in ministers.
In response, protests by Shu Qi's supporters are taking place in Yangon, the largest city, and tensions are rising between the military and the people.
In Myanmar, the military carried out a coup d'etat on the 1st, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Min, and other ruling party executives one after another, and issued a state of emergency with a period of one year. Under the command of the army's top commander, Min Aung Hlaing, he took full control.
He announced that he would postpone the opening of the parliament, which was scheduled to begin on the 1st, in order to investigate fraud and deficiencies in the general election held in November last year.
The military issued a new statement in English on the night of the 1st of Japan time, insisting that it hold a general election, saying, "We will hold a free and fair election and leave the country to the winning party."
However, he did not disclose the specific date of the election.
The military also revealed that it has decided to replace key ministers such as the current defense minister and planning and finance ministers.
On the other hand, the coup has been criticized both inside and outside Myanmar.
In Yangon, the largest city, university students who support the ruling NLD = National League for Democracy raised protests on the 1st, and a large number of Myanmar people gathered in neighboring Thailand to blame the military's actions. Tensions are rising among the people.
Protests in Thailand
In front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, the capital of neighboring Thailand, about 200 people, including Myanmar people who support Mr. Sue Chi and young people from Thailand, gathered to protest on the 1st.
Participants wore T-shirts with Shu Qi's face on them, raised photos, and screamed for the release of detained people such as Shu Qi. ..
A Myanmar man who participated said, "It's very sad. The military has ruled the country for many years, but that's not enough. A coup d'etat happened while the country was growing."
ASEAN Chair "Political stability is essential"
The ASEAN-Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued a statement on the 1st following the successive detention of state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and senior members of the ruling party.
In it, "ASEAN member countries are closely watching the transition of the situation in Myanmar. We reiterate that the political stability of member countries is essential for the realization of a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community." We call for respect for the rule of law and human rights.
In addition, he stated that he would support a peaceful solution by pursuing dialogue and reconciliation and working to normalize it in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia expressed concern
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which is the same as Myanmar, expressed concern in a statement.
The statement touches on the "ASEAN Charter," which is the basic law of the region that came into effect in 2008, and states that "the principles of the ASEAN Charter, especially the rule of law and good governance, democracy and compliance with the constitutional government, are sought."
"Indonesia urges all parties in Myanmar to exercise self-control and find solutions to their challenges so as not to exacerbate the situation."
Regarding the relationship between Myanmar and neighboring countries, Professor Takashi Nemoto of Sophia University said, "China, India, and ASEAN countries are more influential on the Myanmar military than Western countries. Especially in China and India, Sue Chi and the military We have deepened our relationship with both of them, so we need to pay close attention to both countries. "
US President Joe Biden "Attack on Democracy and the Rule of Law"
Regarding the coup d'etat in Myanmar, US President Joe Biden issued a statement on the 1st, "It is a direct attack on the process of transition to democracy and the rule of law. The military will immediately give up power and release detained people. The international community should put pressure on them in unison, "he said, saying that each country should work together to take action.
He also mentioned that the sanctions imposed by the United States during the military junta in Myanmar have been lifted in response to democratization. "If the development of democratization reverses, we will reconsider the laws related to sanctions and take appropriate actions. He said that he would take the sanctions that had been lifted again.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights "Concerned about the local situation"
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, issued a statement on the 1st following a military coup d'etat in Myanmar, calling for the prompt release of detained people, saying they were "concerned about the local situation." It was.
In a statement, he said, "There are reports that local journalists have been attacked and access to the Internet is limited, which limits access to information and freedom of expression."
On top of that, the military that carried out the coup said, "Myanmar is obliged to comply with international rules that protect human rights, such as respecting the right to peaceful rallies, and is of unnecessary or excessive power. You must refrain from exercising. "
Expert "Potential for big sedition"
Regarding the detention of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Noriyuki Nagata, a researcher at the JETRO Institute for Asian Economics, who is familiar with the situation in Myanmar, said, "When Mr. Suu Kyi, who gathered the support of the people, was detained, he simply said. It does not mean that political powers have been detained. It can upset the public's feelings and cause great uproar, so we should keep an eye on future trends. "
On the other hand, Commander Min Aung Hlaing, who is supposed to rule the country, said, "In the last 10 years, I have established a solid position as the highest authority in the army. I have extended the retirement age of the commander-in-chief of the army to 65 years old. However, the timing of having to retire in July of this year may also be an important point, "he said, pointing out that he may have embarked on a seizure of power ahead of his own retirement. ..