UNSC envoys meet with Suu Kyi

Published: May 01, 2018 09:29:56 | Updated: May 01, 2018 17:17:38

Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting.

During the nearly hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also noted Myanmar's difficulties transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Myanmar civilian government spokesman Zaw Htay was not immediately available for comment, reports Reuters.

Myanmar National Security Advisor Thaung Tun said Suu Kyi has always insisted on the rule of law.

"She has always said nobody is above the law and we intend to implement that. She told the Security Council members 'please bring to our notice any infringement of these laws and we will do whatever is necessary to take the action'," he told Reuters on Monday after the meeting.

Earlier this month, Suu Kyi - marking two years since her party swept to power in a historic vote - said in a televised speech that Myanmar was "struggling to develop politics, society and economy."

Suu Kyi's civilian government has no control over the military.

The council envoys also met behind closed doors for two hours with military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing in the country's capital Naypyitaw.

Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts in Rakhine State in August last year sparked a military operation that Myanmar said was a legitimate response. Fleeing refugees have reported killings, rapes and arson on a large scale.

The Security Council envoys are due to travel to Rakhine on Tuesday.