SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore has expressed disappointment over the limited progress in implementing the Asean Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to resolve the Myanmar crisis and restore democracy in the country.
It emphasised the need for constructive dialogue among Myanmar's key stakeholders to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis.
This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan during the Extended Informal Consultation amongst Asean Member States on Myanmar in Thailand on Friday evening, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
"The Asean Foreign Ministers had a substantive discussion at the Extended Informal Consultation amongst Asean Member States on Myanmar today (Dec 20).
"Minister Balakrishnan conveyed Singapore’s grave concern over the continuing escalation of violence nearly four years after the coup in Myanmar," the MFA stated in a statement on Friday.
In April 2021, Asean Leaders agreed to the 5PC on Myanmar, which includes calls for the immediate cessation of violence and constructive dialogue among all parties concerned.
At the meeting, Balakrishnan also reiterated Singapore’s calls for the Myanmar military authorities to swiftly and fully implement the 5PC and to give their full support and cooperation to the Special Envoy of the Asean Chair on Myanmar.
He emphasised that Singapore would continue to support the work of the incoming Asean Chair, Malaysia, and its Special Envoy based on the 5PC and the decisions made by Asean Leaders.
"Singapore will fully support Asean’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. Asean’s external partners also have an important role to play in supporting Aseans efforts on Myanmar," the statement said.
He further highlighted that the critical work of Asean community-building and deepening the regional grouping’s external engagements should not be disrupted by the crisis in Myanmar.
During his visit, Balakrishnan also held separate meetings with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. - Bernama
