Progress on Myanmar crisis

The Leaders’ Meeting is the culmination of weeks of diplomatic efforts led by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, all of which had advocated for a stronger response since the military coup on Feb 1. — AP

ON April 24, Asean accomplished what many thought was near impossible. Asean managed to get General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, to attend the Leaders’ Meeting in person for crisis talks on Myanmar.

This is an extraordinary achievement, as the regional bloc, well known for its non-interference principle, has for the first time convened a special meeting to discuss grievous issues concerning another member state.