Myanmar government revokes status of UN permanent representative Kyaw Moe Tun, seeks action against him
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The Myanmar government said Kyaw Moe Tun was dismissed from the civil service on Feb 27, 2021, for failing to follow instructions.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
- Myanmar's military-backed government revoked UN envoy Kyaw Moe Tun's status, accusing him of illegal activities and dismissing him from civil service in 2021 for disobedience.
- Kyaw Moe Tun opposed the military coup, appealing to the UN to not legitimise the military takeover after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government.
- The UN Credentials Committee has yet to decide on Myanmar's representation, while the military seeks legal action against Kyaw Moe Tun through international agencies and INTERPOL.
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Myanmar’s military-backed government said on Sept 13 its permanent representative to the UN was undertaking “illegal activities” and that his status had been revoked and withdrawn.
The government said Kyaw Moe Tun was dismissed from the civil service on Feb 27, 2021, for failing to follow instructions, according to a statement issued by state media.
On Feb 26, 2021, Kyaw Moe Tun made an emotional appeal to the UN, urging the international community not to legitimise the military. He was appointed by the previous government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which was deposed in the 2021 military coup that triggered civil war across the country.
His status as Myanmar’s permanent representative has remained unchanged as the UN Credentials Committee has deferred a decision on Myanmar’s representation. The committee is expected to meet following the UN General Assembly in New York later in September, where it could discuss disputes over representation.
Pro-democracy groups and the parallel civilian government, the National Unity Government (NUG), have helped Kyaw Moe Tun retain his position through international advocacy and lobbying campaigns.
Myanmar’s military authorities have accused him of unauthorised use of state property and mission funds while working with the NUG.
The Myanmar government said it is working through INTERPOL, the US National Central Bureau, US agencies and diplomatic channels to seek legal action against him. REUTERS