ASEAN Foreign Ministers Reaffirm 5PC As Priority For Myanmar Before Elections
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- ASEAN foreign ministers today reaffirmed that Myanmar must implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to resolve its political crisis before holding any elections, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to address transnational crimes arising from the conflict.
In a statement on the ASEAN Leaders’ Review and Decision regarding the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, the ministers urged all parties to fully implement the 5PC to achieve an inclusive and durable peace process that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.
The 5PC, adopted by ASEAN in April 2021, calls for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, the appointment of a special envoy, allowing humanitarian aid, and allowing the envoy to engage all parties.
"(We) urge all parties and stakeholders concerned in Myanmar, particularly the armed forces and security forces concerned, to de-escalate violence and stop targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and enhance trust-building efforts," the statement read.
The ministers also called for the full implementation of an expanded and extended ceasefire, as agreed in May this year.
Noting Myanmar's plan to hold general elections in December this year, the ministers stressed the importance of free, fair, peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible general elections.
"We emphasise that the cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede elections," the statement read.
Myanmar announced plans to hold general elections in December 2025 and has invited ASEAN members to send observers, which the statement acknowledged.
In the meantime, Myanmar's non-political representation at ASEAN Summits and Foreign Ministers' Meetings will continue until there is meaningful progress on the 5PC.
The ministers agreed that ASEAN member states should also refer to the 5PC, in coordination with the ASEAN Chair, when addressing the Myanmar crisis.
However, they do not expect the Myanmar crisis to affect the ASEAN community-building process and decision-making, pledging to continue working together in the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and stability.
ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to continue engaging all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust and create conditions for dialogue, with the support of neighbouring countries and external partners.
The bloc also pledged to strengthen cooperation in addressing transnational crimes arising from the conflict, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, displacement, cyber threats and online scams.
They also tasked senior officials to deliberate on the proposal for a longer-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to ensure continuity in engagement and diplomacy, while supporting ongoing informal consultations through the troika mechanism involving the current, past and incoming ASEAN chairs.
The ministers encouraged regional and international partners to increase financial support to ensure the continuation of humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), and to deliver aid safely, effectively, and without discrimination, including through cross-border efforts where necessary.
The bloc said it would continue to work with the United Nations and other partners to help the people of Myanmar achieve peace, stability, and democracy, and will review progress at future meetings.
Myanmar has been in a multi-prong civil war, which has killed thousands and displaced millions, since its military seized power and ousted the democratically elected government in February 2021.
-- BERNAMA
