Myanmar recalls UK envoy after pro-Suu Kyi remarks
According to ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn, the nation is already "divided" and civil war is a possibility
Myanmar's ambassador to the United Kingdom has been recalled after speaking out against a military coup and demanding the release of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
According to ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn, the nation is already "divided" and civil war is a possibility, reports the BBC.
Myanmar's military seized power in a coup on February 1st, alleging that a recent election had been rigged.
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In the elections, Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), had a landslide victory.
International observers also refuted the military's allegations of electoral fraud, claiming that no violations were observed.
The government's top leaders have been detained. Ms Suu Kyi is being held in an unspecified location on charges of inciting "fear and alarm" and unlawfully importing walkie talkies, among other things.
What did the ambassador say?
The ambassador, who is a former military colonel, had on Monday issued a statement calling for the release of Ms Suu Kyi and ousted president Win Myint.
He was praised by British foreign minister Dominic Raab, who commended his "courage and patriotism".
In a subsequent interview with BBC Burmese, Mr Kyaw Zwar Minn had said he decided to issue the statement after seeing increasing casualties at protests.
"I don't want to see citizens of Myanmar dying. I am arguing for all [protesters and military] to stop," he said. "The country is already so divided and at risk of possible civil war. I want peace."
He also reiterated his call for Ms Suu Kyi's release, and appeared to stand firmly by her.
"Ms Suu Kyi appointed me and I will take her orders," he said. "I demand for her and President U Win Myint to be released. The solution is not in New York or London, it is in [Myanmar capital] Nay Pyi Taw."
He maintained that his latest remarks were not "betraying the country", adding that he was standing on "middle" ground.
During the interview Kyaw Zwar Minn, who has represented Myanmar in London since 2013, said he did not have plans to defect or get asylum in the UK. He added that the Burmese embassy in the UK had no direct communication with the military.
The Myanmar government later issued a statement saying he was recalled. His current plans are not known.
Last week, Myanmar's embassy in Washington also issued a statement condemning the deaths of civilians protesting the coup, and called on authorities to "fully exercise utmost restraint".
