ASEAN calls on all parties to seek peaceful solution to Myanmar crisis

BANGKOK: ASEAN urgently called on all parties concerned, "in particular one with significant power on the ground", to take concrete actions to seek a peaceful solution to Myanmar crisis.

Cambodia, ASEAN's current chair said the bloc is gravely concerned over the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar, including the bombing in Insein prison, hostilities in Karen state and the most recent report of an air strike in Kachin State, which hit a civilian gathering where many people were killed or injured.

"We are deeply saddened by the growing casualties, and the immense suffering that ordinary people in Myanmar have endured.

"We, therefore, strongly urge utmost restraint and immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar.

"We urgently called on all parties concerned in particular one with significant power on the ground to take concrete actions to enable process of inclusive and constructive dialogue and to seek a peaceful solution and national reconciliation in Myanmar, and for the sake of peace, security and stability in the region," it said in a statement following the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar

The statement said it observed with alarm the latest intensified fighting which not only resulted in worsening the humanitarian situation throughout Myanmar but went against the spirit of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and undermined the efforts of the Special Envoy of ASEAN Chair on Myanmar to bring progress in 5PC implementation.

Media reported on Monday that an air strike killed at least 50 people at a concert in Hpakant, Kachin State on Oct 23.

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) spokesperson Naw Bu said the attack targeted celebrations of the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin army's political wing, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) in Myanmar is deeply concerned and saddened by reports of airstrikes that took place in Hpakant.

"The UN continues to verify the details of this attack, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed or injured. The UN calls for those injured to be availed urgent medical treatment, as needed.

"What would appear to be excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be held to account," it said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Myanmar said some Western countries including the United States and the spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General have issued one-sided statements regarding few incidents based on facts emanating from groups opposed to the Government and unverifiable sources from media outlets and social media.

In this regard, the ministry advised foreign governments and the UN to verify facts before making statements.

"Issuing statement without proper verification tends to be intentional dissemination of rumours.

"It is also tantamount to not only meddling into the internal affairs of a state but also the violation of the principles and norms stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent diplomatic notes of objection to the related embassies and the UN in Yangon which issued the statement on this incident," it said.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers will hold a special meeting in Indonesia on Thursday to discuss the Myanmar peace process.

Myanmar will not be represented at the ASEAN Summit next month after the junta declined a proposal to send a non-junta representative.

On Feb 1, 2021, Myanmar's military seized power in a coup, hours before the newly elected parliament was due to convene for the first time leading to unrest and turmoil in the country eversince.

-- BERNAMA