Aung Myo Min the Minister for Human Rights of the National Unity Government spoke to Mizzima TV - this is the transcript.

Mizzima: Let’s start with the questions about the United Nation. Well, the 75th session of the UN General Assembly commenced on 15 September. It was found the event was attended by Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun. Is there anyone to represent the junta regime, or not? We have no information until this interview about who was proposed by the junta for the UN session. It was learnt that the Credential Committee was formed yesterday. So, what do you know about possible discussions on Myanmar?

Minister: The opening ceremony of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly was joined by Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun. It was a good sign for Myanmar. However, the Credential Committee has not decided on the approval for him. The nine-member countries of this committee were first announced. The committee will hold talks on the issues of Myanmar and Afghanistan.

Before they make an official decision, they will have to informally discuss specific points on the topic.

Yet, I do not know when they will hold an official meeting and what decision they will make. There is no early announcement on such a meeting. However, the committee will surely decide on this issue during this session. Three possible scenarios are they will recognize the junta; the seat of incumbent Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun will be empty, or they will recognize his extension. According to a Foreign Policy report, there is a discussion between the United States and China on the possible extension of the incumbent Ambassador. We have known it from reliable and secret sources. It is the strongest possibility. There is very little chance to recognize the representative of the junta regime which is brutally committing human rights violations.

So, it is very hopeful that U Kyaw Moe Tun will be recognized at the General Assembly. We cannot exactly say the result, and that we are making steadfast efforts with constant vigilance.

Mizzima: You mentioned three scenarios, and two more possible outcomes—the extension of U Kyaw Moe Tun or the empty seat for this position. Which one do you expect more? Prior information leaked that the junta representative would not be allowed for the session. It was seen as a serious blow to the regime. Will the junta consider it as their loss?

Minister: U Kyaw Moe Tun is most likely to be extended as the Ambassador of Myanmar. It would be unfavourable for the junta as a serious blow for certain losses in the diplomatic sector. They would face an embarrassing situation if they are not recognized by the United Nations with 193 member countries. It would be a loss for them in a diplomatic war. The military junta are relying on China, and have regular communications. China influences military officers, while the former frequently said they are protecting Myanmar. They are just protecting the junta.

Moreover, China and Russia used the power of vetoes in Myanmar issues at the UN assemblies. However, the junta regime expected effective protection and support from China in this situation, but the world’s second economy has remained silent. If U Kyaw Moe Tun is approved for this incumbent position, the hope of the junta will fade away. If China did not stand for the junta although it seems to be guiding ASEAN on the Myanmar issue, then the regime would seriously suffer in the relationship with its allies.

Mizzima: China has frankly said they do not support the dissolution of the National League for Democracy, and invited the party to the recent virtual meetings with political parties from Southeast and South Asia. In addition, Chinese media made headlines about an agreement not to allow the junta representative to attend the UN General Assembly. So, could we say that China is changing its policy on the junta regime?

Minister: Great possibility. I have learnt that a Chinese special envoy recently visited Nay Pyi Taw. However, the junta did not make any press release on this visit whether failure or success, and it is also questionable whether the unwise decision of the junta hardliners has changed the diplomatic support of China on them in the international arena. It is found that the Myanmar junta became closer with Russia in the aspects of an arms embargo and other military affairs while establishing more relationships with China in trade and business sectors. In this circumstance, China would review its policy on Myanmar as the junta’s reliance on other countries. In politics, everything is possible. Everybody knows that there are no eternal allies or perpetual enemies in politics. It seems that the Chinese stance on the actions of the Myanmar junta is changing significantly.

Mizzima: Current situations in Myanmar were discussed at the 48th regular session of the Human Rights Council Conference. What will be its consequences for the revival of democracy and prevention of human rights violations in the country?

Minister: Normally, the general assembly in New York is concerned with politics and diplomatic issues, while the human rights issues are discussed at the Human Rights Council based in Geneva. However, this year Myanmar is a hot topic both at the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council session. The coup in Myanmar has been on both tables. International interest and actions have been serious. The regular session of the Human Rights Council did not allow both sides to represent Myanmar as per the recent decision. As the Credential Committee has not made any decision, U Kyaw Moe Tun was not allowed for his presentation. However, at the opening ceremony of the Human Rights Council session, the Chair of Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (IIFFMM) delivered a speech, highlighting the fact that they collected criminal acts of the junta regime and their commitment to take actions for justice at a certain time.

The fact-findings of the Human Rights Council would be useful as a driving force for legal actions at ICC and ICJ. On 22 and 23 September, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Mr Tom Andrews, will make a presentation on his additional findings.

We have also told him about ‘the four cuts’ strategy of the Myanmar military like arrests, blocking fundamental household supplies, food and communication. Such offences can be termed as grave crimes, rather than human rights violations. Everybody knows the military's brutal and inhumane crackdowns across Sagaing Region and Gangaw Township of Magway Region. Human rights violations of the junta have become more and more severe in the past 7 months. These cases will also be submitted. The High Commissioner of UNHCR expressed his concern about Myanmar and that the global community should join hands to prevent human rights violations in the country.

Although U Kyaw Moe Tun could not attend the meeting, international figures will voice our irrefutable evidence to convey a clear message on the need for justice and rule of law to the member countries of the Human Rights Council. Its statement will have effects on the UN General Assembly. It can be expressed that we cannot recognize the junta regime and various actions must be taken against them. We could raise our concerns at the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.

Mizzima: Well Minister, you said that the global community is monitoring Myanmar’s situation which is on the tables of UN meetings. However, grave human rights violations have not declined. So, the junta has no regard for the global body or the regional block and keeps on working for their lasting power. And will they follow the rules and decisions of the UN? Will they recognize UN meetings, and are they trying to stand in isolation?

Minister: The junta regime is working systematically on one side, and they are doing recklessly and irresponsibly on the other side. They are putting their efforts and giving their orders to complete their objectives. It shows that the military is in a state of physical and mental disorder. They cannot solve this problem. In addition, they are facing various oppositions and international pressure. So, they will continue to tightly grasp power. It is the behaviour of a mentally disordered person. However, it will fuel fury and hatred of the public who are conducting armed struggle against them. Unity spirit has collapsed in the army. Members of the security forces who turned to the side of the public are very impressive. They have seen some policy changes in China which they largely depend on. As the global community is opposing the junta, we need to let them know their term is about to end despite their oppressions. We must turn their difficulties into our opportunities. Then, they could not firmly hold the power for a long time. We must expel the junta with the coordinated efforts of internal and external forces.

Mizzima: People’s defensive war was declared on 7 September for their security. The Ministry of Human Rights also issued a code of conduct for this war. Some human rights violations cannot be avoided practically on the ground for both sides. So, has the ministry made any additional rules to ensure an orderly and dignified manner in the war?

Minister: Our code of conduct aims to avoid anarchy and to prevent inhumane crime. We are waging revolutionary war. It will lead to an armed struggle of innocent civilians to fight against oppression. It is a historical trend. We must change ourselves from a passive sheep under the bullet into an aggressive tiger to encounter the shooter. We cannot tolerate increasing torture. As people have made huge sacrifices in the past 7 months, they unavoidably chose armed struggle. However, it is important not to commit human rights violations which is the main reason for launching people’s defensive war.

We should avoid such violations in changing the army which committed crimes against the public shamelessly. During the war, innocent civilians must be protected. Actions must not be in retaliation without sound evidence. The code of conduct for the People’s Defence Force stipulates not to attack innocent civilians, women or children, how to handle war prisoners and other rules. We have widely spread this doctrine among the public.

I want to say that armed struggle aims to fight against the troops, and not to bully common people. Such offences could lead to similar criminal acts of the junta regime.