Philippines: ASEAN's Myanmar Peace Plan Must Adapt To Realities On The Ground
By Linda Khoo
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- The Philippines has reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) remains ASEAN's primary framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis, while supporting a more flexible and practical approach to its implementation in response to evolving realities on the ground.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said some ASEAN leaders had called on member states to rethink how the 5PC is implemented or operationalised to achieve more meaningful outcomes.
“For the Philippines, this does not mean an abandonment of the 5PC in any way, shape, or form, only that the actions of the Chair, or ASEAN for that matter, should be intentional and shaped by the realities as they transpire on the ground,” she told Bernama in a written interview.
Adopted in April 2021, the 5PC calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, the appointment of an ASEAN Special Envoy to facilitate mediation, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the envoy's engagement with all stakeholders in the Myanmar crisis.
On Myanmar's participation in ASEAN, Lazaro said any decision to restore the country's full representation would depend on tangible progress in implementing the 5PC, particularly in de-escalation, constructive dialogue and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Lazaro said the annual ASEAN Leaders' Review and Decision on the Implementation of the 5PC enables member states to assess Myanmar's progress in de-escalation, dialogue and humanitarian assistance.
“As ASEAN Chair, it is our intention to provide these spaces for ASEAN member states to come together and converse with one another regarding the direction and outlook of ASEAN's engagement with Myanmar,” she said.
ASEAN has barred Myanmar’s top leaders from attending its summits since the military overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in February 2021, allowing only non-political representatives to attend high-level meetings.
On June 25, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ASEAN was exploring new approaches to strengthen the implementation of the 5PC while reaffirming that it remained the main framework for resolving the Myanmar crisis.
He said Malaysia would continue engaging all stakeholders, including Myanmar's military government, the National Unity Government, the People's Defence Force and ethnic armed groups, to support ASEAN-led peace efforts.
-- BERNAMA
