United States No Fail To Blame Tatmadaw Over Attack On AHA Convoy Although Attack Was Made By Non-State Troops
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Tun Mon Thet (NP News) – May 9
The State Department of the United State released a press statement over attack on AHA Center Convoys in Myanmar Shan State on 7th May.
The American traditionally blames the Myanmar Military though the attack was committed by the rebellions and insurgents.
A local ethnic armed force, Pa-O National Organization (PNO), said the attack was made by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) based on the ground of conflict of interests of the respective organization. The PNO has confirmed five committed insurgents from the PNLA were arrested during their way back, according to a reliable source from the PNO.
During the incident, Tatmadaw’s security forces escorted the convoys in their trip to deliver humanitarian aid, as per information.
However, the United States’ provocative statement with manipulations of words and double-standard in the aspects of rights, humanity and peace isn’t unusual towards the Myanmar government and the Myanmar Military (Tatmadaw) no matter what conditions have really happened on the ground.
In point of the International Humanitarian Law, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), it defined as ‘the law of war’ or ‘the law of armed conflict’ and applies only to armed conflicts. It doesn’t cover the internal tensions.
Again, the law applies only once a conflict has begun, and then equally to all sides regardless of who started the fighting, according to the ICRC.
Notwithstanding, the American’s statement highlights that “The incident happened just ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, these attacks in Shan State come as the regime’s violence and disregard for the rule of law have led to greater instability on the ground, ….”
Clearly, the statement blames the military one-sidedly though the violence is mostly committed by rebellions, insurgents, and/or the PDF terrorists.
What is more, the statement points finger at the Tatmadaw for failing to protect the diplomats from the terrorists saying that, “The military regime must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including rules on the protection of diplomatic personnel and civilians.”
In this point, we have to find out if the AHA Center Convoys follow the disciplines as per the safer access in the aspects of acceptance of the organization, acceptance of the individual and risk and security management.
According to the source from the PNO, the AHA diplomats have discussion with armed personnel from the PNLA with regard to delivering aid but failed in making a deal. The source said, “We heard that they (the AHA diplomats) from the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia and the armed officers from the PNLA talked and negotiated on offering the aid. However, the negotiation wasn’t achieved. Then, the PNLA attacked the convoys.”
The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Channel News Asia, urges all parties to refrain from violence in Myanmar. Only constructive dialogue among stakeholders can facilitate a peaceful solution.