NLD warns against viewing Suu Kyi-ICRC meeting as political turning point, calls it junta’s move to ease pressure and seek ASEAN recognition

Photo – A photo released by the junta on August 3, 2026, shows State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meeting with Mr. Arnaude de Baecque, the head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar. (MOI) Maung Khet Nue (August 5) Mizzima. The National League for Democracy (NLD) has stated that the meeting between State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under arrest and detention, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is not a political turning point, but rather an act by the military junta to reduce international pressure and seek ASEAN recognition. U Kyaw Htwe, a member of the NLD Central Executive Committee (CWC), confirmed this to Mizzima in relation to the statement released by the NLD CWC today (August 5). “They want to reduce international pressure, and primarily, they are doing this to seek ASEAN’s recognition. It is not a truly positive demonstration,” said U Kyaw Htwe. Regarding the NLD's statement that progress would only be made if the ASEAN Special Envoy could meet freely, U Kyaw Htwe added to Mizzima, “We will be able to issue a party statement based on whether the meeting is allowed, and if it is allowed, in what form. It is still too early to say.” U Bo Bo Oo, the NLD's deputy chairman for the Sanchaung Township, analyzed that the meeting did not involve any political matters, but only issues such as healthcare within the prison, human rights, and safety. “The meeting between the ICRC and the chairperson does not involve political matters. Therefore, this matter cannot be overly interpreted from a political perspective. If the situation is that they met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and that’s the end of it, then it will be a clear indication of the junta’s dishonesty. It is important that their (ICRC’s) work continues,” U Bo Bo Oo told Mizzima. He also pointed out that it is necessary to monitor whether meetings with other political prisoners and visits to prisons will continue to be allowed, and that the ICRC’s role is important for the eradication of torture within prisons and the improvement of healthcare. The NLD CWC statement also warned against prematurely concluding that a positive turning point in the political deadlock has occurred based solely on this meeting. Furthermore, the NLD has urged that the safety, health, and adequate food supply of all unjustly detained political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, be guaranteed, along with the right to meet freely with family and lawyers. The National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) also told Mizzima yesterday that this meeting is the result of accumulated domestic and international pressure, and that mere coordination will not yield good results. NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung pointed out that this development is due to relentless efforts and international diplomatic pressure, while CRPH spokesperson Ko Sithu Maung criticized yesterday (August 4) that the release of political leaders should not be a matter of begging but should be based on law, and that this action is sadly designated as a "National Visiting Day." While the ICRC has confirmed the meeting between ICRC delegation head Mr. Arnaud de Baecque and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held on August 3, it stated that the findings would be reported secretly only to the junta. Although this meeting offered hope for the first time in five years, her son Ko Htin Lin (Kim Aris) stated that no specific confirmation of his mother's health has yet been received, and the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) and PPNM have also called for meetings with all political prisoners and for transparency. Editor – Thant Zaw (Thanlyin) The post NLD warns against viewing Suu Kyi-ICRC meeting as political turning point, calls it junta’s move to ease pressure and seek ASEAN recognition appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.