KUALA LUMPUR: Asean remains dedicated to helping Myanmar find a peaceful and lasting solution to its ongoing crisis, say regional bloc leaders.
In a joint statement, leaders of the Asean nations reiterated that the Five-Point Consensus remains the main framework for addressing Myanmar's political crisis.
They emphasised that it should be fully implemented to help Myanmar achieve an inclusive and lasting resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.
This will contribute to peace, security, and stability in the region.
"We urge all parties to immediately cease acts of violence against civilians and public facilities."
"We urge them to take concrete action to halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, and ensure civilian safety," they said on Tuesday (May 27).
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Asean leaders appreciated three consecutive temporary ceasefires by Myanmar authorities and other unilateral ceasefires by relevant stakeholders.
They called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire as an initial step towards ending violence.
This aims to create a safe environment for delivering humanitarian aid and establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus.
The leaders urged all parties to ensure the safe, timely, effective, and transparent delivery of Asean humanitarian assistance without discrimination.
This should be done alongside continued support from stakeholders in Myanmar and through cross-border efforts where necessary.
"We encourage all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust towards an inclusive national dialogue by reaching out to concerned parties sustainably. This aims to achieve a durable peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led," they said.
Asean leaders also reaffirmed support for the Asean Chair's work, including through the Special Envoy, in fully implementing the Five-Point Consensus.
"We are committed to enhancing cooperation among Asean member states and between Asean and external partners, Myanmar's neighbouring countries, and the United Nations."
"This aims to support Asean's efforts in addressing Myanmar's crisis and its wider impacts, such as transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, and online scams," they said.
