Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have issued a strong call for an end to hostilities in Myanmar during a recent meeting. The group urged for a window of opportunity for dialogue and aid delivery in the midst of ongoing violence in the country.
In a statement, ASEAN leaders expressed their deep concern over the situation in Myanmar and demanded an immediate cessation of all forms of violence and the use of force. They also called for a conducive environment for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogues.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who currently chairs ASEAN, emphasized the need for the bloc to take a more assertive stance on the Myanmar issue. The policy of non-interference in member affairs has been challenged, and the group has become increasingly firm with Myanmar’s junta, which has failed to execute the five-point peace consensus agreed with ASEAN after its coup caused chaos. Indonesia has been quietly involved in talks with Myanmar’s military, its shadow government, and armed ethnic groups to initiate peace talks.
Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told reporters that the situation in Myanmar presents an unprecedented challenge to ASEAN’s unity. The group is currently functioning with only nine of its ten members.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the meeting was also expected to discuss a code of conduct for the South China Sea and growing tensions over Taiwan. However, it is unclear if these topics were eventually discussed.
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