UN envoy urges action to prevent Myanmar 'civil war'

AFP

The UN envoy on Myanmar on Wednesday implored the Security Council to take action amid the escalating crisis there, warning of the risk of civil war and an imminent "bloodbath" as the junta violently represses pro-democracy protests.

"I appeal to this Council to consider all available tools to take collective action and do what is right, what the people of Myanmar deserve and prevent a multi-dimensional catastrophe in the heart of Asia," special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener told the closed-door session, according to remarks obtained by AFP.

Dozens of Myanmar refugees make 'voluntary return': Thai authorities

AFP

Some 50 Myanmar refugees who fled air strikes to neighbouring Thailand "voluntarily" returned across the border Wednesday, Thai authorities said, despite reports of continued bombings in their home state.

Myanmar's military has launched air attacks in eastern Karen state for four straight days -- the first such strikes in the area in more than 20 years -- forcing 7,000 people to flee their homes.

Japan suspends new aid to Myanmar over coup

AFP

Japan has halted new aid to Myanmar in response to the coup, according to the country's foreign minister, but is stopping short of sanctions imposed by some nations on military and police commanders.

Japan is a top aid donor to Myanmar, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the suspension of assistance would send a "clear" message.

"For Myanmar, Japan is the largest provider of economic assistance," he told parliament on Tuesday.

German company halts supply of Myanmar bank note components

AFP

A German company that supplies products to make Myanmar bank notes has suspended deliveries in response to growing violence following the military coup to oust civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, it said Wednesday.

Giesecke and Devrient said in a statement that it was halting all deliveries to Myanmar's state-owned Security Print Works "with immediate effect".

"This is a reaction to the ongoing violent clashes between the military and the civilian population," the Munich-based company said.

China seeks 'democratic transition', but no sanctions, on Myanmar

AFP

China on Wednesday said it wanted a "democratic transition" in military-ruled Myanmar, but ruled out sanctions at a UN Security Council meeting.

"China hopes that Myanmar will restore peace, stability and constitutional order as early as possible and continue to steadily advance democratic transition," Ambassador Zhang Jun told the closed-door meeting, according to a statement.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi in good health, lawyer says

AFP

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in good health despite two months of detention, her legal team said Wednesday as diplomatic pressure on the military junta ramped up.

Daily protests demanding the restoration of the elected government have been met with a crackdown that has left more than 520 civilians dead in the weeks since the February 1 coup.

The junta's violent response has triggered international condemnation -- and threats of retaliation from some of Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups.

Brotherhood Alliance issues retaliation statement

AFP

Three of the country's myriad armed ethnic insurgent groups known as the Brotherhood Alliance -- the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army (AA) -- issued a joint statement threatening retaliation.

"If they do not stop, and continue to kill the people, we will cooperate with the protesters and fight back," the statement said.

If such groups take up arms, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) warned that the situation could degenerate into civil war.

US orders departure of non-essential diplomats from Myanmar

AFP

The US State Department has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomats from Myanmar, it said in a statement Tuesday, amid a crackdown on protesters that has killed hundreds since the country's military coup began.

Daily rallies across Myanmar by unarmed demonstrators demanding the restoration of the elected government and the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi have been met with tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds.

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