ASEAN leaders urged an immediate end to armed conflict in Myanmar and called for inclusive national dialogue. This statement followed 44th and 45th ASEAN summits and related meetings recently held in Laos, which included representatives from the 10 ASEAN member countries as well as diplomats from the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, and South Korea.
The ASEAN chairman's statement issued on October 9 highlighted the Myanmar crisis and called for an immediate cessation of violence and to create conditions for humanitarian assistance.
ASEAN also requested Myanmar to lead nationwide dialogue and negotiations. It is estimated that more than 18.6 million people, over a third of Myanmar's population, are in need of humanitarian aid.
The statement welcomed plans for Thailand to host an informal dialogue on the Myanmar issue later this year, which could include ASEAN members. Myanmar's political and armed conflicts have escalated since the military seized power from the civilian government in 2021.
While ASEAN had established a five-point consensus to address the crisis, the lack of practical implementation has resulted in restrictions on junta officials attending higher-level ASEAN meetings.
Comments