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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Conflict & Security

Aung San Suu Kyi's son relieved by survival confirmation, calls junta meeting 'tactical'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, expressed relief upon confirming his mother's survival through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
  • Aris described the meeting as a "tactical move" by the military junta and urged continued international pressure for her unconditional release.
  • He thanked international supporters and emphasized that the fight for Suu Kyi's freedom and justice for all political prisoners must continue.

Kim Aris, the son of detained Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, expressed profound relief after confirming his mother is alive through a meeting facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "This is really good news and gives me hope," Aris stated, relaying that an ICRC representative met with Suu Kyi and found her to be in good health. This confirmation, after over five years of her unjust imprisonment following the 2021 military coup, brought a measure of solace to the family.

This is really good news and gives me hope.

โ€” Kim ArisExpressing relief after confirming his mother's survival through the ICRC.

However, Aris tempered his relief with strong criticism of the military junta, labeling the ICRC meeting as a "tactical move" by the regime. He expressed anger over her "unjust detention and effectively solitary confinement for over five years." Aris emphasized that the international community's sustained attention, driven by political pressure from ASEAN and global governments, was crucial in preventing his mother's situation from fading from public view. He extended his gratitude to all governments, officials, diplomats, international organizations, journalists, and supporters who have stood by his family during this difficult period.

I finally have proof that my mother is alive after five painful years of unjust imprisonment by the brutal military regime.

โ€” Kim ArisDescribing the emotional impact of confirming his mother's well-being after years of detention.

Aris reiterated his call for transparency regarding Suu Kyi's condition, demanding guaranteed access for her family and communication. He stressed that international pressure for her unconditional release must not waver until she regains her freedom. His plea extends to all political prisoners, demanding their release and accountability for the military regime's actions.

We must not forget that this meeting is a tactical decision by Min Aung Hlaing, not a humanitarian one.

โ€” Kim ArisInterpreting the junta's decision to allow the meeting as a strategic move.

He also noted the timing of the meeting, occurring just days before Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, was scheduled to visit Thailand. Aris cautioned against viewing the meeting as a humanitarian gesture, calling it a "tactical decision" by Min Aung Hlaing. He criticized the leader for seeking international legitimacy without fulfilling any of the ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus," which includes an immediate cessation of violence, dialogue, and humanitarian aid. Aris urged that pressure on the junta must continue.

Pressure must continue until my mother regains her freedom.

โ€” Kim ArisUrging continued international action for Aung San Suu Kyi's release.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.