Myanmar junta seeks stability before allowing Asean envoy visit

This handout photo taken and released by Dawei Watch on May 7, 2021 shows protesters holding up signs supporting the "People's Defence Force" set up by the shadow government of ousted Myanmar lawmakers. - AFP

YANGON, NEW YORK (Reuters/AFP): Myanmar's ruling junta is focusing on creating a stable situation in the country before agreeing to allow a visit by a South-east Asian envoy, as part of a five-point consensus agreed by regional leaders last month, an official said on Friday (May 7).

Major Kaung Htet San, a spokesman for the ruling military council, told a televised briefing that Asean, of which Myanmar is a member, wanted to send a special representative and Myanmar would "cooperate regarding that envoy" when a certain level of security and stability had been achieved.