Scholars for Myanmar, a group of 100 professionals and academics focused on Myanmar, published an open letter yesterday calling on governments and foreign affairs officials the world over to recognize Myanmar’s government in exile.
The letter argues that recognition of the National Unity Government, or NUG, presents a historic opportunity to end seven decades of civil war in Myanmar and bring about a genuine federal democracy with broad-based coalitions never before seen in its history.
“Myanmar has historically been plagued by divisions along ethnic, religious and political lines. And while we recognise the need for the NUG to itself evolve to include more diverse voices including those from the Rohingya, now there is a historic chance that the newfound incipient unity within the population can rid Myanmar of military rule and lead the country on a path to a federal democratic order that can also end the civil war of over seven decades,” the letter reads.
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The letter was signed by academics located worldwide including Thailand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. It was sent to governments and heads of diplomacy around the world to inform them about the current situation in Myanmar as well as how they can best support its democracy. Scholars for Myanmar said it will follow up with governments by volunteering to join hearings with their foreign ministries, elected representatives and heads of state.
“This is a chance for Myanmar and its people to achieve a better future, that is a future without the Tatmadaw involved in politics. And that we think this needs support from the international community,” Georg Bauer, Scholars for Myanmar spokesperson, told Coconuts Yangon.
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