Myanmar’s military-backed government said on Sunday the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations was undertaking “illegal activities” and that his status had been revoked and withdrawn.
On 26 February 2021, Kyaw Moe Tun made an emotional appeal to the UN, urging the international community to not legitimise the military, which seized power in a coup.
Mr Moe Tun was appointed by the previous government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which was deposed in the 2021 military coup that triggered a civil war across the country.
Mr Moe Tun’s status as Myanmar’s permanent representative has remained unchanged because the UN Credentials Committee has deferred a decision on Myanmar’s representation.
The UN Credentials Committee is expected to meet following the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, where it could discuss disputes over representation.
Pro-democracy groups and the parallel civilian government, the National Unity Government (NUG), have helped Mr Moe Tun retain his position through international advocacy and lobbying campaigns.
“A national diplomatic post at the UN cannot be unilaterally revoked by military authorities without the consensus or formal acceptance of the UN Credentials Committee,” NUG said in an email to Reuters late on Sunday.
Myanmar’s military authorities have accused Mr Moe Tun of unauthorized use of state property and mission funds while working with the NUG.
Mr Moe Tun did not respond to an email seeking comment. The Myanmar government said it is working through Interpol, the United States National Central Bureau, American agencies and diplomatic channels to seek legal action against him.