The people of Myanmar expect the ICJ to make a decision impartially and fairly

THE entire public is fully supporting and backing the efforts of the Myanmar delegation, which is standing on the side of truth to safeguard the sovereignty and dignity of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). All those living within the country cannot accept any actions or matters that would undermine the nation’s dignity.

The case being faced is not an ordinary legal dispute for Myanmar; it is a national matter that concerns the dignity, sovereignty, and interests of the State. After the election, Myanmar will move into a new chapter of its history and begin the process of building a new state. To successfully build such a new nation, positive support from the international community is needed.

The true nature of the case facing Myanmar is that on 9 October 2016, the ARSA terrorist group launched its first violent attacks on two police outposts under the Border Guard Police headquarters. Ten police officers were killed, and weapons were seized by the terrorists. Subsequently, at around 1:30 am on 25 August 2017, the ARSA terrorist group committed coordinated surprise attacks on 30 police stations and one military base, and brutally killed residents, including ethnic Rakhine people and Hindu worshippers. As a result, the government was compelled to carry out security operations in response, solely to protect national sovereignty and territorial security. These actions did not constitute genocide in any way.

No country in the world would stand by idly if terrorists were to attack its security forces and local civilians. In the case brought by The Gambia, the Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing of the Ministry 2 of the President’s Office, and Union Minister for Legal Affairs and Union Attorney General Dr Thida Oo, has travelled to The Hague in the Netherlands and is presenting the strongest possible arguments for Myanmar, upholding justice and truth.

The submissions made by the Myanmar delegation to the ICJ are fully aligned with the wishes and sentiments of the Myanmar people, who value peace, stability, and truth. The delegation’s appearance at the hearings demonstrates its respect for international law and the role of the court. The people of Myanmar hope that the ICJ judges, with their honour and judicial integrity, will fairly examine and decide the truth, without bias, regarding the case in which Myanmar is being falsely accused based on distorted information, in an attempt to mislead international opinion about an act that Myanmar did not commit.

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