ASEAN calls on all sides in Myanmar to promote conducive condition for dialogue

JAKARTA: ASEAN has called on all sides in Myanmar to promote a conducive condition for a constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful solution to the current crisis and reaffirmed its commitment to help the country based on the Five-Points Consensus (5PCs).

The regional grouping also underlines the urgency of the immediate cessation of violence and for all parties to exercise utmost restraint, as well as ensuring the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance.

"Durable peace and national reconciliation can be achieved only through an inclusive political solution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led and involving all parties concerned," according to ASEAN Chairman's Statement posted on ASEAN's website on Wednesday.

ASEAN also reiterated calls on the military junta to allow its special envoy, who is also Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, to meet with all parties concerned to prevent prolonged suffering of the people of Myanmar.

"One year on, ASEAN Member States remained deeply concerned with developments in Myanmar, including reports of continued violence and deterioration of humanitarian situation.

"Recalling serious efforts made to help solve the crisis, including the recent visit to Myanmar by Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, ASEAN Member States urge Myanmar authorities to take concrete actions to effectively and fully implement the 5PCs," the statement read.

ASEAN welcomes the continued support from its external partners for ASEAN's efforts in the swift and complete implementation of the 5PCs reached at the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on April 24, 2021, including on humanitarian assistance.

ASEAN had agreed to the Five-Point Consensus on April 24, 2021, calling for the end of violence in Myanmar, constructive talks among all stakeholders, facilitation of humanitarian aid, deployment of an ASEAN special envoy to conduct talks with all stakeholders, and for the special envoy to be allowed to visit the country.

Hun Sen met Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Jan 7 - the first visit by a foreign leader since the military coup in February, 2021. Hun Sen is also the current ASEAN Chair.

-- BERNAMA