Live Updates: Myanmar Military Promise to Return Power After Free and Fair Election

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - The UN Security Council is moving to Tuesday a meeting on Myanmar that was originally scheduled for Thursday following the military coup there, Chairperson Barbara Woodward said on Monday.

"We are moving the meeting [on Myanmar] forward to tomorrow," Woodward, who chairs the Security Council through February on behalf of the United Kingdom, told a press conference. "The most important thing is that the Security Council responds to the coup and uses its efforts to help Myanmar back on the path to democracy."

At the closed meeting on Tuesday, Security Council members will discuss an end to the Myanmar coup and military rule, a release of prisoners and the restoration of democracy, Woodward explained.

"We are discussing with Security Council members what measures most fruitfully might lead Myanmar back to democracy. ...The main thing we are looking to do now is to secure her [Suu Kyi's] release along with that of her Cabinet and others who have been detained and put Myanmar back on the path to democracy," Woodward said.

Woodward also expressed concern about the plight of Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority following the coup.

"We remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian plight of the refugees. We very much hope it will be possible for them to return to Rakhine state but that is not a secure solution at the moment. The situation has got worse, not better," she said.

UN-Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the Myanmar military to respect the outcome of the recent elections and solve all the differences with the civilian political leadership through dialogue, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.

"Mr. Guterres urges military leadership to respect the will of the people of Myanmar and adhere to democratic norms with any differences to be resolved in peaceful dialogue," Dujarric said during a press conference.

Dujarric said despite the situation in Myanmar being chaotic, the United Nations knows the will of the people had been overturned in an undemocratic way and that needs to change.

"No one that I am aware of on this side has been able to reach the current authorities in Naypyitaw due to communications challenges," he added, noting the large United Nations presence in Myanmar.

Earlier on Monday, media reported that the military detained Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint in a morning raid. The move came after the country’s military vowed to take action against what it says was voter fraud in the November election. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the election.

Thailand has no plans to beef up security at its border with Myanmar amid a coup in the neighbouring country, Thailand's Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, media outlets reported that both Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained in an early morning raid. A one-year state of emergency was declared in Maynmar after the coup. Myanmar's military earlier vowed to "take action" against alleged voter fraud in the November 8 general election, which was won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The military said that it is committed to the democratic system and vowed to hold new and fair elections after the end of the state of emergency.

"No consequences for Thailand. The two border crossings were closed briefly this morning. They are open as usual soon after," the spokesman said.

He also said Thailand did not plan to increase the number of troops at the border with Myanmar.

"No action on Thailand’s part. We hope that the situation will return to normal soon and peace for the Myanmar people," he added.

Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained by the military earlier in the day, is now placed under house arrest in the capital of Naypyidaw, the Irrawaddy news outlet reported.

The military also placed Myanmar’s President Win Myint and leaders of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party under house arrest in Naypyidaw.

Suu Kyi, many government officials and NLD leaders do not permanently live in the capital and instead reside in Yangon, the country’s largest city. The state counsellor was detained in her residence in Naypyidaw and placed under house arrest there, according to Irrawaddy. The news agency did not provide details on the conditions in which Suu Kyi is held.

A big group of NLD lawmakers, who arrived in Naypyidaw to participate in the first session of the parliament, were detained in a hotel. Irrawaddy published a photograph showing that lawmakers are provided with water and food.

"We remain calm. As long as we are provided with everything, there is a shop and a cafe, so we have a place to eat, but the territory of the hotel is isolated from the outside world. We are not ready to say anything publicly yet," one of the lawmakers anonymously told the news outlet.

A one-year state of emergency was declared in Maynmar after the coup. Myanmar's military earlier vowed to "take action" against alleged voter fraud in the November 8 general election, which was won by Suu Kyi's NLD. The military on Monday said that it is committed to the democratic system and vowed to hold new and fair elections after the end of the state of emergency.

Dozens of foreign countries have issued statements in condemnation of the coup and called on the military to release all detained government officials and lawmakers.

"We have had intensive consultations at multiple levels with our allies and partners in the region and around the world," Psaki said during a press briefing.

US President Joe Biden on Monday said the United States may reimpose sanctions on Myanmar in connection to the recent coup.

"The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy. The reversal of that progress will necessitate an immediate review of our sanction laws and authorities, followed by appropriate action," Biden said in a statement.

Biden said the United States will work with partners around the world to hold accountable the individuals responsible for overturning Myanmar's Democratic transition.

Myanmar's military has changed 11 ministers and dismissed 24 deputy ministers after having seized power earlier in the day.

The orders to that effect, signed by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, were published by the military-owned news website Myawady.

In accordance with the orders, new heads for the ministries of foreign affairs, defence, planning, Union affairs, finance, industry, investment and foreign trade, border security, health, education and transport have been appointed.

The dismissed deputy ministers used to work at the aforementioned ministries, as well as at the ministry of information, religion and culture.

Earlier in the day, media outlets reported that both the state counsellor and the president were detained in an early morning raid. The National League for Democracy emerged victorious in Myanmar's November 8 election, the second vote since the end of military rule in 2011.

Myanmar's military has accused the government of conducting the election fraudulently and vowed last week to "take action." 

After arresting the leadership of Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), the country's military has searched the party's headquarters and confiscated computers and documents, the Irrawaddy news website reported Monday, citing a party member.

According to the party member, the military did not specify when the NLD would be allowed to reopen its headquarters.

Earlier in the day, media outlets reported that both the state counsellor and the president were detained in an early morning raid. The National League for Democracy emerged victorious in Myanmar's November 8 election, the second vote since the end of military rule in 2011.

Myanmar's military has accused the government of conducting the election fraudulently and vowed last week to "take action."

The Myanmar military should immediately release the 45 people detained during the coup in the country, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, media reported that Myanmar's State Counselor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and some members of the country's ruling party were detained. The military vowed to take action against what they say was voter fraud in the November 8 election. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the election.

"I am alarmed by reports suggesting that at least 45 people have been detained – including elected parliamentarians under confinement - and I call for their immediate release," Bachelet said. "There are also disturbing reports of journalists being harassed or attacked, and restrictions on the Internet and social media - which will restrict access to information and freedom of expression at this critical and frightening time for the people of Myanmar."

Banks across Myanmar reopened on Monday after the internet connection was restored, the military-owned Myawaddy news outlet reported.

Myawaddy refuted reports that banks suspended operations indefinitely and said that they just experienced problems with access to the internet. According to the military-owned media outlet, banks resumed their operations after the internet connection became stable again.

Earlier in the day, most banks and ATM machines were reported to be out of service in several cities, including Yangon, and people started queuing up at the few ATMs that did not halt operations.

Major internet disruptions across Myanmar occurred after the country imposed a state of emergency following a military coup. Myanmar's State Counselor, Aung San Suu Kyi, and President Win Myint were detained in an early morning military raid just mere hours before the first session of the new parliament. Some other members of the country’s ruling party were also detained. Myanmar's military earlier vowed to "take action" against what they say were voter fraud in the November 8 general election, which was won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Dozens of foreign countries have issued statements in condemnation of the coup and called on the military to release all detained government officials and lawmakers.

The Kremlin is monitoring the situation in Myanmar, where some senior members of the government were detained, but it is too early to draw any conclusions, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

"We carefully monitor and analyze all the information, of course; it is premature to make any assessments," Peskov told reporters, when asked if the Kremlin was watching the events in Myanmar and its opinion of them.

Myint Swe, Myanmar's vice president who was appointed the acting president by the military, said on Monday that he deems a military takeover of power constitutional and fully supports it.

In a statement, he asserts that given alleged voter fraud in the 8 November election and "an attempt to usurp state sovereignty by illegal means," he, as the vice president, has to declare a state of emergency and hand all authority to Commander-in-Chief Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, under constitution.

"Mass protests against voter fraud have begun in many regions of the country. In this regard, the state of emergency is being introduced in accordance with Articles 417 and 418 of the Constitution of the Union of Myanmar," the document read, as quoted by Eleven Myanmar.

Earlier on Monday, media reported that State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained in an early morning military raid. It came after Myanmar's military vowed to "take action" against what it says was voter fraud in the November election, which was won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Many countries, including in the West and Southeast Asia, have expressed their concern over the top officials' detention.

The Russian embassy in Myanmar has issued a set of warnings and recommendations to its citizens in the country amid an apparent coup attempt on Monday.

"We recommend that you take all necessary precautions, including, if possible, avoiding travel around the country, crowded places, stocking up on food, essentials and medicines. Be vigilant," a statement on the embassy’s website read.

The diplomatic service also called on Russians to avoid taking videos or photographs of military personnel and law enforcement and to refrain from flying drones.

The embassy also published a form for expats in the country to leave their contact information and whereabouts.

Earlier in the day, media outlets reported that both State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained in an early morning raid. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy emerged victorious in Myanmar's 8 November election, the second since the end of military rule in the country in 2011.

Myanmar's military has accused the government of conducting the election fraudulently and vowed last week to "take action."

Japan is calling on Myanmar's armed forces to resolve the ongoing dispute with the government through dialogue after numerous senior officials, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, were detained on Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said.

"It is important that the relevant parties resolve the situation peacefully through dialogue and in line with the democratic process," Kato said at a press conference, as quoted by Japan's Kyodo News agency.

Japan has joined a growing list of countries to condemn the alleged coup, which took place after Myanmar's military raised claims of voter fraud in the country's November 8 election. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the vote, which was the second to take place in the country since the lifting of military rule in 2011, by a landslide.

"Singapore expresses grave concern about the latest situation in Myanmar. We are monitoring the situation closely and hope all parties involved will exercise restraint, maintain dialogue, and work towards a positive and peaceful outcome," Singapore's foreign ministry stated on Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the detention of Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint and other members of the ruling party, by the country’s military.

"He [Guterres] expresses his grave concern regarding the declaration of the transfer of all legislative, executive and judicial powers to the military. These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar," the Secretary General’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement.

Guterres called on Myanmar’s military to resolve any differences through peaceful dialogue and urged the military to respect the results of the November 8 general elections.

"All leaders must act in the greater interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engaging in meaningful dialogue, refraining from violence and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms," the secretary general said.

Very disturbing news that what many have feared is indeed unfolding in Myanmar. Communications lines are down so, by design, communication is difficult. But apparently the State Counselor and many others have been detained by the military. Outrageous.

— UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews (@RapporteurUn) February 1, 2021

US State Secretary Anthony Blinken released a statement on Sunday, urging Myanmar military to release government officials that were detained earlier in the day.

“We call on Burmese military leaders to release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in democratic elections on November 8", Blinken stated. "The military must reverse these actions immediately.”

It's a Monday & normally, roads would be busy in #Yangon #Myanmar now but it's empty as many afraid to go outside. But many seen at ATMs withdrawing cash as country is now under #military coup #Myanmarcoup (pics sent to me from Myanmar) pic.twitter.com/k3ktipDIe5

— May Wong (@MayWongCNA) February 1, 2021

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US has threatened to take action against those responsible for the detention of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint in Myanmar.

"The United States is alarmed by reports that the Burmese military has taken steps to undermine the country's democratic transition, including the arrest of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials in Burma [Myanmar]. President [Joe] Biden has been briefed by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan," White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Earlier, western media reported that Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint, were detained along with other members of Myanmar’s ruling party in an early morning military raid on Monday.

"We continue to affirm our strong support for Burma's democratic institutions and, in coordination with our regional partners, urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today. The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar's democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed," Psaki said.

According to Reuters, citing Myanmar's military-owned TV, the country's army on Monday announced that the power is now in the hands of military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The military also declared that the Vice President of Myanmar would now become the president.

Earlier, it was said that the army seized the city hall of Yangon, the country's biggest city.

Military of Myanmar on Monday declared a state of emergency in the country for one year, according to Reuters citing the country's military-owned TV.

The Myanmar military said on Monday that it had carried out its detentions earlier in the day in response to "election fraud", according to Reuters, citing the nation's military-owned TV.