STORY: Myanmar extends state of emergency for 6 more months
DATELINE: Aug. 2, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:45
LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar
CATEGORY: POLITICS
 
SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP (English): KHINE THAZIN THINN, Xinhua reporter
2. various of Yangon
3. various of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council's meeting (courtesy of MRTV)
 
STORYLINE:
 
STANDUP (English): KHINE THAZIN THINN, Xinhua reporter
"Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) on Monday announced the extension of the state of emergency in the country for six more months."
 
According to the council's statement signed by Acting President U Myint Swe, the emergency period was extended in accordance with the Section 425 of the State Constitution for six more months starting from Aug. 1.
 
The acting president said in the statement that the extension was made based on the discussions and decisions made by all NDSC members attending the council's meeting on Monday.
 
At the meeting held in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, the NDSC members agreed that it is still required to make an extension to undertake the tasks for ensuring security to hold a free and fair election, citing that political parties preparing for election are facing security threats, the council's statement said.
 
Those who attended the meeting also discussed matters related to conditions of preparation for the election, disturbances to preparation for the election, relief and resettlement being carried out after cyclone Mocha, and conditions for holding the election including security affairs, the statement added.
 
At the meeting, the acting president declared the extension of the state of emergency, and handed over the state power again to Chairman of the State Administration Council Min Aung Hlaing, who is also Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, it said.
 
Myanmar declared a state of emergency in February 2021 for one year before making three six-month extensions until July 31 this year.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yangon, Myanmar.
(XHTV)