Myanmar's ambassador to UK calls for release of Suu Kyi, President Myint

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Kyaw Zwar Minn on Monday called for the release of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and said that the current crisis in his native country should be resolved with diplomatic efforts.

Sputnik reported citing a statement by Minn which said that he discussed the situation in Myanmar after the military takeover with UK Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab during a meeting last week.

"We request the release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint," the ambassador said, as quoted by Sputnik.

The ambassador added that diplomacy is "the only response" to the current "impasse".

In addition, the diplomat said that Myanmar's embassy in London will remain open and continue to provide assistance to the citizens of Myanmar living in the UK.

Raab said that he praised the ambassador for "his courage and patriotism in standing up for what is right."

"Earlier today I spoke to Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn. I praised his courage and patriotism in standing up for what is right. We join his call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and for a return to democratic rule," Raab wrote in a tweet.

Minister of State at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Nigel Adams said that London welcomes the envoy's desire to see a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn has shown the utmost courage and humility in calling for the release of State Counsellor Aung Sang Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. We welcome his desire to see a peaceful resolution to the crisis," Adams wrote in a tweet.

The military toppled the Southeast Asian nation's elected government on February 1 and launched a massive crackdown on anti-coup protesters, shutting down the internet and arresting hundreds of people, including the state counselor and the president. The crackdown on protesters left more than 50 people dead.

( With inputs from ANI )