Myanmar central bank denies UN report on weapons transactions
Myanmar's central bank has denies a UN report claiming that the country's military government can still access funds and weapons for its conflict against anti-coup forces.
In a statement published in a junta newspaper on Saturday, the Central Bank of Myanmar expressed strong opposition to the UN Special Rapporteur's report, stating, 'The UN report severely harms the interests of Myanmar civilians and the relationship between Myanmar and other countries.'
Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar's human rights, reported on Wednesday that although international efforts to isolate the junta have impacted its ability to purchase military equipment, the military still managed to import $253 million worth of weapons, dual-use technologies, manufacturing equipment, and other materials over the 12 months leading up to March.
The report indicated that Myanmar had assistance from international banks, including those from neighboring Thailand, to facilitate its purchases.
Amid its most significant challenge since the 2021 coup against Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar's military is entangled in multiple low-intensity conflicts and is struggling to stabilize a deteriorating economy.
Western nations have imposed numerous financial sanctions on Myanmar's military, banks, and affiliated businesses.
The central bank emphasized that local and international banks engaging in transactions with Myanmar have conducted thorough due diligence for all business relationships and transactions.
"Financial transactions are strictly for the importation of essential goods and basic necessities for Myanmar civilians, including medicines, medical supplies, agricultural and livestock supplies, fertilizers, edible oil, and fuels," the bank stated.
The UN report noted a significant decrease in exports from Singapore, which dropped to just over $10 million from over $110 million in 2022. However, Thai companies partially compensated for this gap, transferring $120 million worth of weapons and materials in 2023, doubling the amount from the previous year.
In response, Thailand's foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday asserting that the country's banking and financial institutions adhere to protocols similar to other major financial hubs and added that the government would review the UN rapporteur's report.
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