PUBLISHED : 26 Jul 2024 at 09:34
VIENTIANE: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi voiced strong criticism of conflicting factions in Myanmar during a recent regional summit, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue amidst escalating violence between the military regime and armed alliances.
During the closed-door retreat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Laos, Minister Retno emphasized that Myanmar would remain sidelined from Asean activities until its military leaders honor a previously agreed peace commitment following their coup in 2021.
The ongoing Myanmar crisis has raised significant challenges for Asean, undermining its credibility as the military government continues to ignore calls for peace from the bloc’s “five-point consensus,” which aims for an end to hostilities and the commencement of inclusive dialogue.
Asean’s decision to bar Myanmar’s generals from its summits reflects growing frustration, although the country has been allowed representation by a senior diplomat.
“There is no progress on the implementation of the five-point consensus. If this persists, Myanmar’s involvement in Asean foreign ministers’ meetings and summits should be limited to non-political levels,” Retno declared during the retreat.
At the meeting, the Myanmar representative presented an overly optimistic view of the situation, as Retno pointed out significant discrepancies between rhetoric and the realities on the ground.
According to United Nations estimates, approximately 2.6 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, with the military facing widespread condemnation for air strikes on civilian regions and alleged systematic human rights abuses.
Asean’s peace initiatives have stagnated, even after last year’s efforts by Indonesia to mediate between the involved parties.
As both sides entrench their positions, hopes for productive dialogue are dwindling, with ethnic minority rebels making territorial gains that complicate governance for the junta.
Recently, a prominent rebel faction reportedly captured a regional military headquarters in Lashio, a significant setback for one of the region’s most equipped military forces.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan expressed deep concern over the ongoing absence of dialogue, while Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa indicated support from Asean for Thailand to facilitate discussions involving all stakeholders.
Asean is set to engage with senior diplomats from Russia, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, India, and others in meetings scheduled for Friday, leading up to the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum this weekend, where crucial global issues will be addressed.
