Myanmar Revokes Status of UN Envoy Kyaw Moe Tun — SkimNews
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- Myanmar's military-backed government on Sept 13 revoked Kyaw Moe Tun's status as permanent representative to the UN, accusing him of "illegal activities" and citing a Feb 27, 2021 dismissal from civil service for failing to follow instructions.
- Kyaw Moe Tun made an emotional appeal to the UN on Feb 26, 2021 — the day before his civil service dismissal — urging the international community not to legitimise the military after the coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government.
- His UN status has remained unchanged because the UN Credentials Committee has deferred a decision on Myanmar's representation, with the committee expected to meet after the UN General Assembly in New York later this September.
- Pro-democracy groups and the National Unity Government (NUG) — Myanmar's parallel civilian government — have helped Kyaw Moe Tun retain his position through international advocacy and lobbying campaigns.
- The junta accuses Kyaw Moe Tun of unauthorised use of state property and mission funds while working with the NUG.
- Myanmar is pursuing legal action against him through INTERPOL, the US National Central Bureau, American agencies and diplomatic channels.
Why it matters: The junta's revocation is largely symbolic: only the UN Credentials Committee can strip Kyaw Moe Tun of his seat, and it has deferred the decision. With the committee due to meet after the General Assembly, the coming weeks decide whether Myanmar's military regime formally loses its UN voice — or whether Kyaw Moe Tun's diplomatic cover holds.
Ask SkimNews
