hankyoreh

Riot police officers hold down a protester Saturday in a region on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP/Yonhap News)

The Blue House National Security Council (NSC) announced plans to respond collectively with the international community in implementing practical measures for the democratic and peaceful restoration of constitutional order in Myanmar, where many have lost their lives as the military and police have fired on unarmed citizens renouncing a recent coup.

In a standing committee meeting Thursday presided over by National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, the NSC said, “We strongly condemn the violent suppression tactics of the Myanmar military and police, and we plan to join the international community in collectively adopting whatever practical measures are available to us to ensure that the order of constitutional government in Myanmar can be swiftly restored through democratic and peaceful means.”

The NSC also said it would take particular care to ensure the safety of overseas Koreans in Myanmar and protect South Korean businesses.

While the NSC previously said at a March 4 standing committee that it would cooperate with the international community in restoring the constitutional order in Myanmar, the latest statement stressed a stronger level of cooperation with its reference to “practical measures.”

The response comes amid the Myanmar military and police’s use of harsh suppression tactics against citizens demanding democracy.

In a message posted on social media on March 6, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said, “The violence against the people of Myanmar must stop immediately.”

“I condemn the Myanmar military and police’s violent suppression tactics, and I strongly urge the immediate release of individuals under detention, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi,” he added.

The NSC also remarked on a scheduled visit by the US Secretaries of State and Defense next week.

“We will be fleshing out details of coordination between South Korea and the US for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including the swift formulation of a comprehensive strategy on North Korea,” it announced.

By Lee Wan, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]