ICRC statement needed, photos not enough to change international opinion: NUG

Photo – A photo released by the military showing a meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Mr. Arnaud de Baecque, the ICRC's Country Representative in Myanmar. (MOI) Maung Khet Nye (August 3) Mizzima. || Regarding the photos released by the military junta today (August 3) morning, showing a meeting between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ICRC officials, it is necessary to await an official statement from the ICRC, said U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office of the National Unity Government (NUG). He also said that the release was only published on the military junta's propaganda channels and that these photos would not be enough to change international opinion. "We must release all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders, without exception. We also need to consider how to bring justice for these injustices. Therefore, we believe that this one photo is not enough to change international opinion," said U Nay Phone Latt. The military had released news with photos stating that Mr. Arnaud de Baecque, the ICRC's Country Representative in Myanmar, and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met this morning. However, the military junta did not disclose the detailed discussions during the meeting, and the ICRC had not yet issued an official statement as of 12:30 PM on August 3, the day of reporting. Among the four photos disseminated through the military junta's propaganda channels, two show the meeting with the ICRC representative, while the other two are photos of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi cutting a cake to commemorate her 81st birthday on June 19. "Regarding the photos and news released now, since they are released by the propaganda channels of the terrorist military, we need to wait for the ICRC's statement," said U Nay Phone Latt. This photo release is the second time the military junta has released photos since the "Proof of Life" campaign began online to prove that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still alive. On April 30, the military had also announced with a photo that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had been transferred from prison to house arrest. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Kim Eric (Ko Htin Lin), revealed in late July that his mother has been detained for over 2,000 days, and he is extremely concerned about her health due to being kept away from her family and being hidden. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the 2021 military coup, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on various charges, including corruption. In a meeting held in Bangkok on July 12, the military junta's Foreign Minister stated that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was in good health and was being cared for like a family member. The Association for Assistance of Political Prisoners also released a statement today, saying that allowing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with ICRC officials is a partial success achieved through the collective pressure from domestic and international organizations, including ASEAN. However, it stated that allowing meetings only with the International Committee of the Red Cross clearly indicates that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is being treated only as a prisoner. Therefore, it is necessary to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi unconditionally to resolve Myanmar's problems and to officially recognize her role in leading the country again, the statement said. Editor: Aung Kyaw Phyo