Kim Aris, the son of jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, held a virtual meeting with National Unity Government (NUG) Acting President Duwa Lashi La on Sunday. This followed an online meeting with Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief Twan Mrat Naing on Sept. 6.
“Only through solidarity can we achieve freedom, dignity and justice for all,” Kim Aris shared on social media, following his meeting with the NUG on Sept. 14.
Aris discussed with the two resistance leaders the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to civilians impacted by the conflict, which has engulfed Myanmar since the uprising to the 2021 military coup began.
He also called for more accountable leadership in the NUG and the AA, as calls for reform in the resistance by pro-democracy leaders have increased in recent months in Myanmar.
Aris issued an urgent appeal on Sept. 4 following reports that his mother’s health has deteriorated significantly while in detention, where she’s been held incommunicado since the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021.
The NUG claimed that the regime is not providing adequate medical care to Aung San Suu Kyi while in detention, demanding the international community hold Naypyidaw accountable for her mistreatment.
Aris addressed regime spokesperson Zaw Min Tun, who told pro-regime media on Sept. 6 that Aung San Suu Kyi is “doing well,” stating that his 80-year-old mother’s health issues have only worsened in the last four years of detention.
The AA’s Twan Mrat Naing expressed his concern about Aung San Suu Kyi, stating that “no trust or genuine peace” can come in Myanmar without her release, as well as that of the 20,000 other political prisoners jailed for opposing the 2021 coup.
He and Aris agreed to collaborate to build a federal democratic Myanmar free of military rule.
The regime in Naypyidaw designated the AA as a “terrorist” group last year. It also gave this designation to the NUG and its armed wing, the People’s Defence Force (PDF), in May 2021.
Aung San Suu Kyi is serving a total of 33 years in prison, which was reduced by the regime to 27 years, after being convicted on several charges that many analysts say were politically-motivated.
A moment of prayer was held for Aung San Suu Kyi during a fundraising concert held in New York City on Sunday by Myanmar musicians Lin Lin and Chit Thu Wai. Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. Kyaw Moe Tun was in attendance.
Over $130,000 USD was reportedly raised to assist the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.
