Myanmar coup: UN chief reaches out to Asian leaders for collective action

 Myanmar''s military last week toppled the government and seized power for one year, detaining top political figures, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Reiterating his concern over the situation in Myanmar, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been reaching out to regional leaders in Asia to call for collective and bilateral action to create conditions for the recent military coup in the country to be reversed, the UN chief's spokesperson has said.

Myanmar's military last week toppled the government and seized power for one year, detaining top political figures, including de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The military accused Suu Kyi's government of not investigating allegations of voter fraud in recent elections. Suu Kyi's party swept that vote and the military-backed party did poorly. The state election commission has refuted the allegations.

The Secretary-General continues to follow the situation in Myanmar closely and with grave concern. He and his Special Envoy have been reaching out to key international actors, including regional leaders, in calling for collective and bilateral action to create conditions for the recent coup in Myanmar to be reversed, Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said at the daily press briefing on Monday.

Dujarric said the UN welcomes the fact that there are discussions for a Human Rights Council special session to take place soon, which will help to keep the momentum following the Security Council's discussion on the situation earlier this month.

Dujarric said the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener will continue to mobilise the international community, including through engaging members of the Security Council to carry out calls for a return to democracy, pursuance of dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar, and for the immediate release of those detained.