The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) condemned Myanmar’s lack of progress on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) for peace in its latest leaders meeting.
Myanmar
In a statement, the group said it was “deeply concerned” about the ongoing violence in the country. It urged for “the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and the use of force, particularly the use of force against civilians.”
Ceasing violence, the group said, would be the only way to create “a conducive environment for an inclusive national dialogue to find a sustainable, peaceful solution in Myanmar” and facilitate the “safe and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogues.”
2/2 …combating trafficking in persons caused by abuse of technology, and initiatives to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity and institutional effectiveness. In ASEAN’s external relations, we all reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality @DFAPHL pic.twitter.com/ugmUEucrPH
— Enrique A. Manalo 🇵🇭 (@SecManalo) May 9, 2023
The group reiterated its commitment to continue assisting Myanmar, which has spiralled into a political crisis since February 2021, in “seeking a workable and durable solution” through “promoting the full implementation” of the 5PC.
It condemned the recent attack on a convoy of the AHA Center and the ASEAN Monitoring Team in Myanmar and insisted that the perpetrators be held accountable.
Additionally, the group pledged support to Indonesia, the current Chair of ASEAN, in its “continued engagements with all stakeholders” in Myanmar to “encourage progress” in implementing the 5PC.
No significant progress in Myanmar peace plan, unity needed to chart the way forward: @ASEAN@DhakaPrasar
— DD News (@DDNewslive) May 11, 2023
Read: https://t.co/6mkCOJGBHG pic.twitter.com/7tV1oJnLd9
5PC
ASEAN has repeatedly attempted to facilitate dialogue to bring an end to the political turmoil in Myanmar. In fact, in April 2021, the group reached the 5PC with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on ending the country’s political crisis, including an immediate end to violence through “constructive dialogue.” They also recommended that the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair act as a mediator.
However, General Hlaing has failed to meet the requirements of the consensus by disallowing the ASEAN representative to meet with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Moreover, the government has also continued its threats against pro-democracy activists, with over 16,000 arrested and killed at least 2,300 since the coup.