KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar must implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to address its political crisis and transnational crimes before holding an election in their country, say Asean leaders in a joint statement.
The Asean leaders said they are aware of Myanmar’s plans to hold elections in Dec this year and it recently invited Southeast Asian nations to send election observers.
"We emphasise that the cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede elections," it said in a joint statement on the Asean Leaders’ Review and Decision on Sunday (Oct 26) night.
It also stressed that elections must be free, fair, peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible.
The Asean leaders also reaffirmed commitment to strengthen cooperation among Southeast Asian countries, and other partners to address transnational crimes arising from the conflict, including human trafficking, drugs trafficking, cyber threats, and online scams, among others.
The Asean Ministers also urged all parties to fully implement the 5PC to achieve an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, the appointment of a special envoy, allowing humanitarian aid, and allowing the envoy to engage all parties.
"We urge all parties in Myanmar, particularly the armed forces and security forces concerned, to de-escalate violence and stop targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and enhance trust-building efforts," it said.
The ministers also called for the full implementation of an expanded and extended ceasefire, as agreed in May this year.
Meanwhile, it said Myanmar’s non-political representation at Asean Summits and Foreign Ministers Meetings will continue until there is meaningful progress on the 5PC.
"We also reiterate that the crisis in Myanmar would not affect the Asean Community-building process and decision-making, as we pledge to continue working together in the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and stability," it said.
The Five-Point Consensus by Asean laid out a roadmap for peace and it calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive national dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
