ASEAN leaders reach consensus on 'immediate cessation' of violence in Myanmar

25 April, 2021
ASEAN leaders reach consensus on 'immediate cessation' of violence in Myanmar
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have decided on the need for an instantaneous stop to the violence in Myanmar after an emergency meeting in Jakarta on Saturday (Apr 24).

The meeting, chaired by Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, was also attended by Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. 

This can be the general's first foreign trip because the Feb 1 coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's crackdown on anti-coup protests has left a lot more than 700 people dead.

According to a statement from Brunei, the existing chair of ASEAN, leaders reached a consensus on five points - ending violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a particular ASEAN envoy to facilitate dialogue, the provision of humanitarian assistance and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar.

"We, as an ASEAN family, had a close discussion on the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed our deep concern on the problem in the united states, including reports of fatalities and escalation of violence," said the statement.

"We acknowledged ASEAN’s positive and constructive role in facilitating a calm solution in the interest of the persons of Myanmar and their livelihoods," it added.

"We also heard demands the release of most political prisoners including foreigners."

FIVE POINTS OF CONSENSUS

Among the points of consensus, ASEAN leaders needed an "immediate cessation of violence" in Myanmar, adding that all parties shall exercise "utmost restraint".

They also agreed to get started on a constructive dialogue among all parties concerned to get a relaxing solution in the interests of the persons of Myanmar.

"Third, a special envoy of the ASEAN Chair shall facilitate mediation of the dialogue process, with the help of the Secretary-General of ASEAN," the statement read.

"Fourth, ASEAN shall provide humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management. Fifth, the special envoy and delegation shall visit Myanmar to meet up with all parties concerned."

The ASEAN meeting is the first coordinated international effort to help ease the crisis in Myanmar.

General Min Aung Hlaing had earlier told the meeting that he had not been against a visit by an ASEAN delegate to greatly help resolve the crisis.

Through the meeting, the leaders also discussed ASEAN's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and Myanmar's continued efforts to handle the situation in Rakhine state, including its repatriation of refugees from Bangladesh.
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