India is “still not convinced” that the UNSC resolution will help to advance the process of resolving the problems in Myanmar.
India has stated that it is “still not convinced” about the UN Security Council resolution’s potential to advance the resolution of Myanmar’s long-standing problems, including the immediate cessation of hostilities in the neighbouring nation and the release of political prisoners like Aung San Suu Kyi.
On Wednesday, the 15-nation Security Council passed its first-ever resolution on Myanmar while India held the Presidency.
The 15-member Council’s demand that the nation defend democratic institutions and respect human rights was underlined in the decision.
No member voted against the motion, and India, China, and Russia did not participate in the voting.
As Myanmar’s neighbour, we are still unsure of the effect that this resolution would have in moving the situation in Myanmar closer to resolution. However, we do hope that all parties in the nation will renounce all forms of violence and return to the path of negotiation, said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj of India, who is also the Permanent Representative of India to the UN and the President of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the month of December.
The resolution demanded that all prisoners who had been arrested without justification, including Win Myint and Suu Kyi, be immediately released by the Myanmar military.
It reaffirmed its call for the upholding of democratic institutions and procedures as well as for the pursuit of constructive dialogue and reconciliation in line with the preferences and needs of the people of Myanmar. It also urged all parties to uphold the rule of law, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
Kamboj stated that the Security Council adopted the resolution on Myanmar on Wednesday, and its main takeaway was that it demands an immediate end to all forms of violence in the country. This was said during a wrap-up briefing for non-members of the Security Council on its work for the month of December before the holiday week.
It reiterates the Council’s support for the ASEAN process and calls on all parties in Myanmar to engage in constructive engagement with the ASEAN Special Envoy and the UN Special Envoy in order to start looking for a peaceful solution that will benefit the people of Myanmar.
After 74 years, the Security Council finally issued a resolution on Myanmar.
The General Assembly was advised in 1948, upon the former Burma’s independence from Great Britain, “that the Union of Burma” be accepted to membership in the UN, in the only other UNSC resolution on Myanmar.
In her explanation of vote, Kamboj, who was presiding over the Council meeting, had stated that New Delhi thought the complicated situation in Myanmar required a policy of “calm and patient diplomacy.”
According to her, any alternative strategy will not effectively resolve the long-standing problems preventing lasting peace, stability, progress, and democratic governance.
In light of the current situation, she stated, “We are of the considered opinion that a UN Security Council resolution may entrench the parties in their inflexible views rather than encourage them to undertake an inclusive political discussion.”
However, Kamboj claimed that India firmly urged all sides to immediately halt hostilities, give up their extreme stances, and start an open political discourse for the restoration of democracy.
Political leaders should be freed and permitted to carry out their political duties once more, she argued.
India emphasised that the UN system should support the parties in negotiations so that the state of emergency ends and Myanmar resumes its democratic path.
“Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the Council’s decisions. The best course of action for finding lasting, constructive solutions in Myanmar is quiet diplomacy, according to Kamboj, who also added that because neighbouring nations will be most negatively impacted by instability, it is crucial to take their opinions and viewpoints seriously.
India decided to abstain on this resolution, according to Kamboj, “in light of these concerns and our steadfast commitment to the democratic process and the well-being of the people of Myanmar.”
According to Kamboj, Myanmar and India have a nearly 1,700-kilometer-long shared border as well as shared historical and cultural ties.
“As a result, any unrest in the nation directly affects us. Therefore, maintaining Myanmar’s peace, stability, and development and finding a solution to the current problem are directly related to our national security. She continued the well-being of the Myanmar people is still our top concern and the focus of all our efforts.
