Myanmar crisis poses challenge for Asean’s ability to confront future: Singapore FM

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said it might be time for Asean to make some difficult decisions.- ISEAS-YUSOF ISHAK INSTITUTE

BANGKOK (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Myanmar’s crisis could take decades to resolve but as long as it continues it will pose a challenge to Asean’s ability to get on with its agenda confronting the future, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said at an Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute forum on Tuesday (Nov 1).

Referring to a special meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Jakarta on Oct 27 on this issue, he said: “It is a difficult conversation. We’re still considering what further steps we can take collectively as Asean but to take steps which would be constructive and helpful and not just performative.