Deputy Chair of The Elders and the Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon urged to stop the violence immediately.
Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made a surprise visit to military-run Myanmar on behalf of a group of elder statesmen that engages in peace-making and human rights initiatives around the world, local media and a South Korean diplomat said Monday.
The Elders group announced today that Mr. Ban Ki-moon strongly urged the importance of discussing with all groups, including the National Unity Government, for a long-term solution for the Myanmar issue.
Deputy Chair of The Elders and the Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon who suddenly visited Myanmar called on the Myanmar military council to immediately stop the violence and implement the five ASEAN common agreements.
Ban Ki-moon said that he came to Myanmar to urge an immediate end to the violence and to start a constructive dialogue involving all relevant parties in Myanmar.
My trip is to find out how I can help the people of Myanmar. Ban Ki-moon also said that I came to Myanmar to help the Myanmar citizens who deserve freedom as much as possible and a peaceful future ahead.
''My meetings are in an exploratory position. I will do my best to help the Myanmar citizens to achieve peace, prosperity and freedom,'' Ban Ki-moon promised.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon urged to immediately release all political prisoners which have also been asked by the international community, to hold constructive meetings and to refrain from violence.
In addition, Ban Ki-moon also pointed out the military junta airstrike in Kantablu Township that had been strongly condemned by the international community, which recently killed more than 160 people, including children and women, in Sagaing Division.
The election should only be held when it is free and fair, and holding the election in the current situation will lead to more violence and divisions, and the result will be against the people of Myanmar. He also added that ASEAN and the wider international community will not be recognizing it.
The Elders immediately issued a statement while the National Unity Government (NUG) and analysts in Myanmar pointed out and criticized the visit while the coup army was carrying out airstrikes and terrorist killings across the country.
The military council reported that Mr. Ban Ki-moon and the military leader exchanged views on the latest situation in Myanmar but did not mention the meeting with former president U Thein Sein.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon met with the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Military Council. Mr. Ban Ki-moon requested to visit in 2021 after the military coup, but at that time the Supreme Council rejected him, and now it is said that he was invited to meet.
The Elders, independent and famous global leaders, is an international non-governmental organisation of public figures, who were brought together by Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and the Former President of South Africa. It is also stated that former presidents from various countries of the world, Former prime ministers and Nobel laureates are included in the organisation.
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