ASEAN looks to inclusive and durable peaceful resolution on Myanmar

ASEAN leaders gathered in Vientiane for their biannual meetings said the five-point consensus will be maintained as the main reference to address the political situation in Myanmar.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the leaders said they have reviewed the implementation of the five-point consensus to deal with the Myanmar crisis during the ASEAN-related meetings this week.

The five-point consensus "should be implemented in its entirety to help the people of Myanmar to achieve an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and -led, thus contributing to peace, security and stability in the region," the leaders said.

ASEAN leaders are in Vientiane for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, which are being held on Oct 8-11 under the theme ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.

Myanmar, for the first time in three years, has sent a representative to the summit.

The five-point consensus were adopted by ASEAN leaders in April 2021, two months after Myanmar military took power. It includes the cessation of violence, constructive dialogue, a special envoy of ASEAN to facilitate the dialogue process, humanitarian assistance, and visits to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet with all parties concerned.

The leaders expressed their deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt violence.

"We reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing crisis, as Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN," the leaders said.

The leaders acknowledged the convening of a meeting on Myanmar in Jakarta in October 2024, and said an extended informal consultation with participation of interested ASEAN member states in Thailand will be held in December 2024.