{"id":9248,"date":"2026-04-23T20:23:53","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T13:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/?p=9248"},"modified":"2026-04-23T20:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T13:53:53","slug":"western-embassies-issue-welcome-statements-on-the-release-of-former-president-u-win-myint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/2026\/04\/western-embassies-issue-welcome-statements-on-the-release-of-former-president-u-win-myint\/","title":{"rendered":"Western embassies issue welcome statements on the release of former President U Win Myint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"May<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 Scenes from April 22<\/em><\/h2>\n

(MoeMaKa), April\u00a023, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Western embassies issue welcome statements on the release of former President U Win Myint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On April 17, the first day of the Myanmar New Year during Thingyan, U Win Myint\u2014the president of the NLD government that was ousted by the military coup\u2014was released from prison. About five days later, Western embassies, including that of the United States, began issuing statements welcoming his release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although U Win Myint and other political prisoners were released on April 17, it is assumed that the statements from embassies only appeared around April 22 due to the Thingyan public holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, it said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe welcome reports that U Win Myint, Daw Shin Devi, and other political prisoners have been released as part of the Myanmar New Year observance. The United States will continue to call for the release of all political prisoners and will continue to support efforts toward peace and stability in Myanmar.\u201d
The statement was accompanied by an image of a social media post by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Riley Barnes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the U.S. statement did not mention Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by name, which has surprised and drawn criticism from some in Myanmar. In contrast, statements issued by other countries\u2014including the UK, Australia, the European Union, and Norway\u2014did include her name and called for the release of remaining political prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the United States has long supported democracy in Myanmar, there are signs that under President Donald Trump, who took office in early 2025, interest in Myanmar has declined compared to previous administrations. Measures such as placing Myanmar on a list of countries subject to visa restrictions and ending extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have been interpreted as indications of reduced attention to Myanmar affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The omission of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi\u2019s name\u2014despite her global prominence\u2014has further fueled such suspicions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statements from the UK, Australia, Norway, and the European Union did include her name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another issue raised by Myanmar social media users concerns the fact that Western countries did not use the title \u201cPresident\u201d before U Win Myint\u2019s name. Except for Canada, all countries referred to him simply as \u201cU Win Myint.\u201d Canada, however, used \u201cPresident U Win Myint\u201d and referred to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as \u201cState Counsellor.\u201d Other countries used only their names without titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Myanmar media outlets in exile continue to refer to him as \u201cPresident U Win Myint,\u201d and some see the omission of the title by Western embassies as inappropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Western governments and embassies do not recognize coup leader Min Aung Hlaing as the legitimate president or head of government, they appear to acknowledge the military authorities as a de facto government controlling the capital and major cities. Although they have downgraded diplomatic representation to charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires level instead of appointing ambassadors, embassies remain open in Myanmar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context, Western governments may be facing a dilemma over whether to refer to U Win Myint as \u201cPresident\u201d or \u201cformer President.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of terminology, it should be recognized that Western countries do not acknowledge Min Aung Hlaing as the legitimate president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding U Win Myint\u2019s release, the Philippine foreign minister, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, welcomed the development. However, there were no separate statements from other neighboring countries. Thailand\u2019s foreign minister, who visited Naypyidaw on April 22 and met with Min Aung Hlaing, welcomed the release during the meeting and also raised the issue of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. According to reports, the junta leader said he is considering taking positive steps regarding her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These developments reflect the current state of international diplomatic responses and appeals concerning Myanmar following the release of NLD vice chairman U Win Myint. Although Min Aung Hlaing became a nominally elected president after an election organized under military control with territorial limitations, he still faces significant challenges in gaining international recognition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 Scenes from April 22 (MoeMaKa), April\u00a023, 2026 Western embassies issue welcome statements on the release of former President U Win Myint On April 17, the first day of the Myanmar New Year during Thingyan, U Win…<\/p>\n

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