Myanmar will release 5,600 anti-regime prisoners

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Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces and head of Myanmar’s coup regime, attends the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security in Moscow, Russia, in June.

Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

World
Myanmar’s Military Leader Declares Himself Prime Minister And Promises Elections

In a televised speech on Monday, Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar was committed to peace and democracy. The regime has jailed thousands who have protested the coup against Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest since her government was deposed in February.

ASEAN proposed a five-point plan to restore democracy in Myanmar, but the group has accused Myanmar of not taking it seriously. Min Aung Hlaing said the junta is following its own five-point plan.

Asia
Southeast Asian Leaders Call For Immediate End To Violence In Myanmar

The Irrawaddy said the regional bloc had barred the general «for failing to fulfill promises made to ASEAN of engaging in dialogue with the junta’s opponents and de-escalating the violence in Myanmar.»

Sounding a note of irritation, he blamed the outlawed National Unity Government and armed ethnic groups for trying to sabotage peace, but made no direct mention of ASEAN’s decision.

«More violence happened due to provocations of terrorist groups,» he said, appearing in civilian attire rather than his military uniform, according to Reuters. «No one cares about their violence, and is only demanding we solve the issue. ASEAN should work on that.»