DVB exclusive interview with ICC Chief Prosecutor
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan sat down for an exclusive interview with DVB Chief Editor Aye Chan Naing on Monday to discuss why he requested an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing on Nov. 27. Min Aung Hlaing is alleged to have committed crimes against humanity for the military’s role in the forced displacement of Rohingya from northern Arakan State into Bangladesh in 2016-17.
“The judges will now decide the case based upon their own timeline and their own resources and their own assessment of the evidence. And we are in any event continuing our work because there will be other applications in this situation also based upon the evidence and the analysis that we have conducted.” said Khan, referring to his earlier comments that he will soon apply for more ICC arrest warrants in Burma.
Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup on Feb. 1, 2021 that ousted the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Groups opposed to the coup, including the civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG), vowed to abide by an ICC arrest warrant and hand over Min Aung Hlaing for prosecution. The U.N. stated that 6,000 civilians have been killed in Burma since 2021.
Regime non-responsive to Brotherhood Alliance
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) told DVB on Sunday that it has not received any response from the regime in Naypyidaw since it called for peace talks on Nov. 25. China called for dialogue between the regime and the Brotherhood Alliance, including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), in northern Shan State on Dec. 4.
“There has been no response from the regime nor has there been any offers received from [Naypyidaw],” said a source from the TNLA on the condition of anonymity. The source added that military airstrikes on areas under TNLA control have declined since it made the offer for talks. Min Aung Hlaing claimed that he wanted “dialogue” during a visit to China on Nov. 6.
The TNLA controls the Palaung Self-Administered Zone of northern Shan State, as well as Nawngkhio, located 74 miles (119 km) northeast of Mandalay and 96 miles (154 km) southwest of Lashio. The MNDAA seized full control of Lashio when the Northeastern Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters fell on Aug. 3. The MNDAA declared a unilateral ceasefire with the regime on Dec. 3.
United Wa State Army denies tension along Thai-Myanmar border
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) accused Thai and international media of spreading rumours in an attempt to “stir up war” between it and Thailand. The Thai military ordered the UWSA to withdraw from nine camps it claimed were located in Mae Hong Son Province by Dec. 18.
“Recently, some media and our media have irresponsibly and repeatedly hyped up a Thai army plan to attack Wa State. These are sheer rumours, spread to create trouble and sow dissension. The Wa State has never said it is the enemy of the Thai army or that it will go to war with the Thai army,” stated the UWSA on Sunday.
Thai Army spokesperson Thirat Sombatsiri dismissed reports about a standoff with the UWSA along the Thai-Burma border. The UWSA stated that Bangkok must deal directly with Naypyidaw to resolve border disputes. Wa State – officially known as the Wa Self-Administered Division – is an autonomous territory along Burma’s borders with China and Thailand. It is administered by the UWSA.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) announced Sunday that it had temporarily shut down access to the Naf River, which separates Burma from Bangladesh, in Maungdaw Township on Sunday. It added that the order was due to security concerns over military personnel and Rohingya armed fighters who had fled Maungdaw by boat.
Maungdaw came under AA control after the remaining No. 5 Border Guard Police battalion was abandoned by pro-regime forces on Friday. The AA launched its offensive in Maungdaw after it took control of neighboring Buthidaung Township in May. Fighting between the AA and the military continues in Ann, Taungup and Gwa townships.
KARENNI—The Karenni State Civil Society Network (KSCSN) announced on Saturday that it had been established at a forum held in an undisclosed location in Karenni Dec. 2-4. It seeks to represent all civil society groups and organizations working across the state.
“We invited all groups but only 36 joined the forum. The network will work hard to support the vulnerable who are in need of help. We will represent the people’s voices and reach out to the respective political [and] administrative [bodies], as well as civil society groups, and resistance forces,” a KSCN spokesperson told DVB.
MANDALAY—Madaya Township residents said the military carried out an arson attack on three villages, located 24 miles (39 km) north of the city of Mandalay, on Dec. 7-8. Fighting between the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the military in Madaya has been ongoing since Oct. 21.
“The fire set by the military in Powamyauk, Myawsinkone and Udain villages continued growing until Sunday. They set fire to the villages which they can’t control,” a PDF spokesperson told DVB. There are more than 400 homes in the three villages. The number of the homes destroyed by arson is unknown.
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