Myanmar's UN envoy Kyaw Moe Tun fired for opposing military rule

BURMA: United Nations (UN) ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun has been removed from his position just after a day he called for the " strongest possible steps from the international community to put an end to the military coup."

 

During his emotional appeal, Kyaw Moe Tun raised a three-finger salute in solidarity with protesters who have taken to the streets for many weeks.

 

The speech and the subsequent firing have come as protesters face another weekend of crackdowns and violence in their protests against the armed takeover.

 

In defiance of the military, ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun condemned the coup as "unacceptable in this modern world" and called for international intervention to end the upheaval using "any means possible."

 

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The ambassador's speech drew applause from his colleagues and recognition from around the world.

 

Advocates say the speech buoyed pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar, where regular protests have been underway for weeks, demanding the return of the civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested at the start of the coup.

 

The military has intensified its crackdown on the protests. Security forces opened fire on protesters in Mandalay last weekend, killing two people and injuring dozens of others.

 

"These are people who are peacefully demonstrating. They're also up against a ruthless and brutal army "Burma Human Rights Network's Kyaw Win. "As you can see, this rebellion would end badly if there is no foreign involvement or protection."