THE SENIOR British diplomatic representative to Myanmar, Pete Vowles, who has been locked out of the country since late February after refusing to present his credentials has now been expelled from the country, Matichon newspaper said this evening (July 13).
Vowles, who arrived in Myanmar late last year as Britain’s ambassador but did not present his credentials despite repeated requests, was later downgraded to chargé d’affaires ad interim.
He was locked out of the country from late February after he left his Yangon residence for regional consultations and was refused permission to re-enter. His title on social media was amended earlier this year to “Head of British Embassy in Myanmar.”
Vowles tweeted a message this evening as follows:
“My time in Myanmar comes to an abrupt end today. Sad & sorry to have been forced by the junta to leave but glad we didn’t cave to pressure to legitimise their brutal coup.”
“I know the wonderful, strong & committed @ukinmyanmar team will continue to stand up & do everything we can for the people of Myanmar who want nothing more than peace, freedom & justice.”
After London decided to downgrade Vowles’ title from ambassador to chargé d’affaires ad interim, the State Administration Council (SAC), the regime’s governing body, formally notified Britain in late April that it would not accept its designated envoy as chargé d’affaires, but would consider alternative candidates, Nikkei Asia reported.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Britain’s senior diplomat Pete Vowles, left, and Myanmar junta leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, right. Photo: Matichon
Front Page: Britain’s senior diplomat Pete Vowles.
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