ASEAN hopes to see progress on peace plan by Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is pressing Myanmar for tangible progress on its Five-Point Consensus peace plan, with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasizing the need for actions like releasing all political detainees, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The ministers met on July 12 in Bangkok, marking their first in-person discussion with Myanmar's top diplomat since the 2021 coup.

“

The most important point was that we all reaffirmed the central importance of the Five Point Consensus - it was and it remains valid. The next point is that all of us want to see demonstrable progress.

Balakrishnan stated that the consensus remains valid and that ASEAN wants to see "demonstrable progress." He also highlighted the desire for a permanent cessation of violence and for ASEAN to deliver humanitarian aid across Myanmar, even to areas not controlled by the ruling junta. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment with the limited implementation of the plan and stressed the importance of dialogue among all stakeholders.

“

Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN, and Singapore hopes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confirmed that Aung San Suu Kyi, 81, is in "good health" and has access to medical care, referencing assurances from Myanmar's Foreign Minister. However, requests for her release or to meet her have been consistently denied. The meeting in Bangkok is seen as an initial step in engaging with Myanmar, with Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow noting that dialogue is essential and ASEAN will not abandon its position.

“

Singapore is disappointed with the limited progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue amongst all of Myanmar’s key stakeholders to achieve a peaceful and durable resolution of the crisis.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, the situation in Myanmar remains dire. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project, at least 100,000 people have died since the coup. Furthermore, a Thailand-based human rights organization reports that approximately 22,400 civilians remain detained.

“

The premise of how he said it is that she’s a relative, she’s a sister and therefore we will take care of her.