Russia favors internal solution to Myanmar crisis, Kremlin says as Myanmar junta postpones Suu Kyi court

Russia has voiced concern about the situation in Myanmar, saying it favors an internal solution to tension in the wake of a February 1 military coup in the country.

“We are very concerned and are observing what is happening there with great attention,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call on Monday.

“Russia has long-standing relations with Myanmar, which we value, and we are in favor of Myanmar sorting out its own internal problems.”

Myanmar has been rocked by protests since the coup and the subsequent death of hundreds of people at the hands of security forces.

The Kremlin spokesman also underlined that Russia “strongly condemns actions that lead to civilian casualties.”

Earlier this month, Moscow stressed peaceful solutions to the conflict in Myanmar and warned that sanctions against Myanmar’s authorities could push the country towards civil war.

Russia warns sanctions against Myanmar's junta could spark civil war

Russia warns against imposing sanctions on Myanmar’s military, saying punitive measures could spark a full-blown civil war in the Southeast Asian country following the recent coup there.

On that February day, the military ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and imprisoned her and other political leaders.

Since then, waves of protests have been flowing, with the crowds demanding the release of Suu Kyi and other detained figures, and the return of civilian rule.

In addition to the daily protests, strikes by workers in many sectors have brought the economy to a standstill. The coronavirus pandemic has also taken a heavy toll on economy.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in a recent statement accused the junta of committing crimes against humanity, warning that the situation in the country seemed to be heading toward a "full-blown" conflict.

Over 750 civilians have been killed and more than 3,300 people have been arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group.

Junta once again postpones Suu Kyi court date

In another development on Monday, Suu Kyi’s lawyers announced that the junta had again postponed court proceedings against the detained de facto leader.

Min Min Soe, one of the lawyers, said they still have not received permission to meet their client face-to-face 12 weeks after Suu Kyi was detained.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with additional criminal charges

Myanmar

"When the judge asked police which stage they have reached, they replied they couldn't tell specifically," she told AFP, adding that Suu Kyi was frustrated by the slow pace of court affairs.

"I think she is not getting access to watch news and TV. I do not think she knows the current situation happening in the country."

Min Min Soe stated that the junta had delayed Suu Kyi's case until May 10.

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