By Asia News
Mar 15 2021
The bishops are calling for the return of democracy and denounce junta violence, recalling that South Korea also suffered from military oppression. Card. Yeom offers a donation and a letter of support to Card. Bo. Protestant leaders ask the UN to implement an embargo. The Seoul government blocks export of military material and official economic aid.
SEOUL – The Conference of Korean Catholic Bishops and the National Council of (Protestant) Churches in Korea (Ncck) have expressed solidarity with the people of Myanmar for how much they are suffering from the coup d’état, a harbinger of violence and blood , and demand a return to democracy.
The Catholic bishops released a statement two days ago in which they underline their “deep concern” for what is happening in the Southeast Asian country. They recall that South Korea also went through military oppression and this impels the closeness of the Church to the people of Myanmar who continue to show public resistance.
Card. Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, archbishop of Seoul also sent a letter of solidarity to Card. Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, together with a donation of 50 thousand US dollars.
In the letter, the Cardinal says: ” I’ve deeply lamented over the news on the Myanmar military’s suppression and violence against peaceful demonstrators,” he said. “I express solidarity with the Myanmar people who long for democracy and hope that they will reclaim democracy as soon as possible.”
In a statement released two days ago, the NCCK said: “”We declare that we will pray for the restoration of democracy, freedom and human rights in Myanmar in alliance with Korean churches and religious circles and civil societies in the world.”
After suggesting that each community offer a minute of silence for peace and democracy in Myanmar during Lent, the Protestant Council asks the UN to take a stand against the military regime, with an arms embargo and a travel ban.
Yesterday, the Seoul government announced a halt in exports of military equipment to Myanmar, including tear gas and armoured trucks, which had already been exported in the past. South Korea has said it will rethink to curb official development assistance projects, while keeping those closely linked to the population. In 2019 Seoul offered $ 90 million in aid to Myanmar. About 25-30 thousand people from Myanmar live in South Korea. – AsiaNews
