VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The UN Security Council condemned the violence against Myanmar protesters and called on the military to exercise restraint. Even so, in the draft statement of its position, the UN did not declare the takeover of power by the military as a coup. It is feared that this will trigger rejection from a number of countries close to Myanmar, such as China, Russia, India and Vietnam. The United Nations Special Envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgenerin a closed meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday (5/3) said that the unity and firm stance of the UN Security Council are important to push for an end to violence and for the restoration of Myanmar's democratic institutions.

The UN Security Council in a statement  cited by Reuters on Thursday (11/3) condemned violence against peaceful protesters, who also consisted of women, youth and even children. The Myanmar military was asked to exercise restraint and monitor the situation intensively. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hopes that the Security Council's statement can put pressure on the military to release the prisoners and respect the election results.

In its statement, the UN Security Council also expressed deep concern over restrictions on medical personnel, civil society, union members, journalists or media workers, and called for the immediate release of all people who were arbitrarily arrested.

Reportedly, more than 60 people were killed and around 1,800 have been arrested. The Myanmar military has also been urged to release political figures detained in the February 1 coup, including Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In addition, the Security Council also emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic systems and processes as well as constitutional governance, preventing violence and respecting human rights.

This UN Security Council statement is the second after the first statement expressing concern about the situation in Myanmar on February 1.

Meanwhile, China's Ambassador to the United Nations -Zhang Jun conveyed the importance for members of the Security Council to speak in one voice. According to him, now it is time for dialogue to loosen tensions and provide a path for diplomacy.

It seems that the UN Security Council's condemnation has had little impact on the Myanmar military. Many parties hope that the UN Security Council can take a more assertive and serious stance for the realization of peace in the country.