KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Asean on Friday welcomed Myanmar’s release of more than 4,000 prisoners and called for the release of those still detained, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in the spirit of genuine reconciliation and peace.
According to the chairman’s statement, the release on April 17 in conjunction with Myanmar’s New Year, including former president U Win Myint, is a positive step towards inclusive national dialogue among all parties in the country.
ASEAN also welcomed the grant of amnesty to ASEAN nationals and expressed hope for their safe and prompt repatriation, as well as for those who remain in detention, particularly victims of human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
"We reaffirm our commitment to assisting Myanmar, as an integral part of ASEAN, to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the political crisis in the country through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led (process).
"We also reaffirm our united position that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) remains the primary reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar, and calls for an immediate cessation of violence, especially against civilians and public facilities,” the statement said.
The developments come as ASEAN continues to promote the 5PC, adopted by the bloc in April 2021, as the main framework to address the situation in Myanmar following the military takeover in February 2021.
ASEAN also urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
"We reiterate the continued relevance of the role of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in engaging all parties concerned in an inclusive national dialogue,” the statement said.
Guided by the theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’, the Philippines as this year’s ASEAN Chair has focused its priorities on three key pillars: peace and security, prosperit corridors, and people empowerment.
-- BERNAMA
