JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - Myanmar‘ military junta leader, senior general Min Aung Hlaing, urged Association Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to give seat for him at the Special Summit hold on next Saturday (04/24). If allowed, this become his first official trip abroad since the coup civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Earlier, Cambodia’ prime minister, Hun Sen, said an ASEAN Summit will be held in Jakarta on April 24. On Saturday, Thai foreign ministry spokesman, Tanee Sangrat, said several leaders from 10 Asean countries, including, had confirmed that they would attend the summit.
According to an activist group, the security forces have killed at least 730 pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar. While, the ASEAN reporting monitoring group, said more than 65 of journalists has beenm arrested and at least 34 are still being held. Late Sunday, the authorities also announced that another 20 celebrities and 20 doctors would be added to the list of arrest warrants from 420 prominent personalities.
in February, President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin encouraged the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting to discuss Myanmar situation. Malaysian Prime Minster asserted this current condition is a step backwards in the democratic process in Myanmar.
In the March’ meeting, foreign ministers of ASEAN urged Myanmar‘ military leaders to stop the violence and keep the peace around the region. The ministers also asked Myanmar may consider a proposal for the secretary-general of ASEAN and the chair of ASEAN to visit Myanmar and have access to all parties involved.
The statement released after the virtual informal meeting led by foreign minister of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Erywan, and also attended by Myanmar military-appointed foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin. While, foreign minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi delivered three important issues at the meeting.
First, safety and welfare of the Myanmar’ people and not using force and violence. Then, restoration of democracy must continue to be encouraged. And, internal communication and dialogue in Myanmar is the best choice but ASEAN is ready to facilitate if needed.
“Our strong support for Myanmar’ democratic transition, peace process and inclusive economic development is unwavering. However, this cannot be at the expense of the common good of all in the ASEAN region,” he said.
On Malaysia’ part, he continued, remain with conviction that the resolution to the political deadlock in Myanmar is a domestic-led process. However, he hope that Myanmar also considers the concerns raised by the ASEAN member constructively and its crucial for Myanmar to strive for a solution to the political crisis in a way that upholds the will and aspiration of the people of Myanmar.
He said, Malaysia will support any effort to reconcile the differences among Myanmar’ leaders to avoid adverse consequences to the people and the state of Myanmar. Malaysia also calls for the prompt and unconditional release of detained political leaders in Myanmar, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint and their associates, and encourages dialogue between parties concerned.
“We urge all relevant parties to continue exercising restraint from the use of violence against unarmed civilians. We are deeply concerned over the loss of innocent lives and injuries during the ongoing situation in Myanmar. It is our sincere hope that Myanmar will provide the necessary space for peaceful assemblies as well as freedom of speech and expression to be exercised by its citizens,” adds by Hussein.
Written by Editorial Staff, Email: theinsiderstories@gmail.com
