ASEAN Chair Renews Call For Aung San Suu Kyi's Release
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- ASEAN has reiterated its call for the complete and unconditional release of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi following her recent meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Resident Representative to Myanmar, Arnaud de Baecque.
The ASEAN Chair, in a statement issued on Friday, said the regional bloc welcomed the Aug 3 meeting, noting the positive development as part of Myanmar’s efforts towards peace and reconciliation in the country.
“We view this as a positive step towards inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation among all parties in Myanmar and hope that this will pave the way for regular and sustained access for her family, legal counsel, medical professionals, and appropriate humanitarian representatives,” it said.
It also urged greater access to people held in detention in Myanmar since February 2021, adding that further positive steps would contribute to building trust and creating a more conducive environment for lasting peace and stability.
The Chair reiterated the continued relevance of the role of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in engaging all parties concerned towards an inclusive national dialogue, in line with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
“In this regard, we look forward to the Special Envoy being granted access to visit Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as part of the Special Envoy’s mandate under the 5PC.
“We reaffirm our continued commitment to assisting Myanmar, as an integral part of ASEAN, towards a peaceful and durable solution to the situation in Myanmar that is Myanmar-owned and -led.”
The Philippines holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2026.
-- BERNAMA
