8 nations and EU ask Myanmar to implement directive from ASEAN

Washington: On the competition of three years of the military coup in Myanmar today, the ‘High Representative’ on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, called on the military regime at Naypyidaw to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and engage “meaningfully and positively” with ASEAN representatives, for Myanmar to transition towards an inclusive democracy. 

It may be mentioned that in April 2021, all ASEAN leaders reached a 5-point consensus about the situation in Myanmar after the February 1, 2021 coup by the military there. The following were the five points:

1. There shall be immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and all parties shall exercise utmost restraint.
2. Constructive dialogue among all parties concerned shall commence to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the people.
3. A special envoy of the ASEAN chair shall facilitate mediation of the dialogue process, with the assistance of the secretary-general of ASEAN.
4. ASEAN shall provide humanitarian assistance through the AHA Centre.
5. The special envoy and delegation shall visit Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned.

“We strongly encourage unified efforts by ASEAN to resolve the crisis. We commend the constructive efforts of the ASEAN Chairs and Special Envoys,” the High Representative stated while condemning the military regime’s “ongoing atrocities and human rights violations, such as sexual and gender-based violence, and the restriction of fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression, through peaceful protests and the media”.

It may be mentioned that three years ago, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government. The High Representative today termed the coup as “undoing a decade of progress”.  The foreign ministers of these nations mentioned that under the military regime, violence against civilians has escalated, with thousands jailed, tortured and killed.

Also read: Pro-democracy groups denounce Myanmar military’s election plan

“Airstrikes, shelling and arson have been used to destroy civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship. Systematic discrimination against members of religious and ethnic groups, including Rohingya, is rife. Many are displaced and continue to face horrific conditions, and others have been forced to flee across Myanmar’s borders,” the High Representative stated. The statement referred to a growing humanitarian crisis which has been fuelled by the Burmese military’s actions. It pointed out that 2.6 million people were displaced from their homes, and more than 18 million people were in need.    

“We reiterate our call for the Commander-in-Chief and the military to change course, immediately ceasing violence against civilians, releasing all unjustly detained political prisoners, allowing full humanitarian access and creating space for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders,” the statement said.  

The EU and the foreign ministers of the above eight nations stated they would continue to support the full implementation of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) and underline their support for UN Security Council activities to support ASEAN’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

“We call on the UN to strengthen its efforts on Myanmar including via the timely appointment of a Special Envoy and a Resident Coordinator and urge UN Member states to maintain their support to address urgent humanitarian needs in Myanmar,” they stated. The High Representative also called on all members of the international community to support efforts to push the Myanmar military to cease violence, bring about genuinely inclusive dialogue, establish a credible, peaceful democratic future for Myanmar; to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of people in Myanmar and refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, including its most vulnerable communities, and to cease providing the Myanmar military with the arms and equipment that are necessary for them to commit atrocities.   

“Three years on from the military coup, we continue to stand in solidarity with the Myanmar people and their desire for an inclusive and genuine democracy in Myanmar,” the statement said.

– global bihari bureau