YANGON - Former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon met for talks with top officials from Myanmar’s junta on Monday as the bloody conflict engulfing the country spirals. Diplomatic efforts to end the crisis unleashed by the military’s 2021 coup have stalled, with the junta ignoring international criticism of its brutal crackdown on dissent and refusing to engage with its opponents. Ban met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in military-built capital Naypyidaw and “constructively and openly exchanged views on the latest developments in Myanmar,” according to the junta’s information team. It did not give details on the talks. Ban also met with junta-appointed defence minister Mya Tun Oo according to a statement from the junta. Both Mya Tun Oo and Min Aung Hlaing have been sanctioned by the United States since the junta’s coup in 2021. Local media NP News said Ban had not met with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, citing a junta spokesman. Ban left Myanmar on Monday, the outlet said.
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