Myanmar Envoy Appeals for No-Fly Zone, Arms Embargo

Myanmar's U.N. envoy, who was appointed by the democratically elected government, appealed to the international community Friday to protect civilians from the country's military with a no-fly zone, arms embargo and targeted sanctions.  Just arrived in BKK for talks. I regret that Tatmadaw answered me yesterday that they are not ready to receive me. I am ready for dialogue. Violence never leads to peaceful sustainable solutions. pic.twitter.com/cPGy5hSmbZ

"It is necessary to have strong and urgent actions on the U.N. Security Council in order to save the lives of innocent civilians in Myanmar," Kyaw Moe Tun told an informal meeting of the Security Council. "Collective strong action is needed immediately. Time is of the essence for us, please take action now."  The envoy, who made headlines in February publicly opposing the military coup, called on the international community to target sanctions against the businesses linked to the military and to their families. He also urged the suspension of foreign investments until the democratically elected government is restored.  "I wish to stress that the international community and the U.N. Security Council have the responsibility to use all necessary means to help protect the people of Myanmar from atrocities, brutal and inhuman acts committed by the military, through collective, concrete and unifying action in a timely and decisive manner," the envoy said. In diplomatic speak, "all necessary measures" usually refers to military action.