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The ‘normalization’ of the junta’s rule In Myanmar?
The visit of Hun Sen, and its outcomes, raised a lot of questions regarding the ability of ASEAN to stay united in trying to resolve the problem of Myanmar.
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Between neighbors: Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen (right) shakes hands with Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing during a dinner in Naypyidaw on Jan. 7. (AFP/National Television of Cambodia (TVK))
T
he recent visit by Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen to Myanmar has attracted much criticism from both within Myanmar and from other members of ASEAN. Contrary to the self-proclaimed “success” by both Hun Sen and the junta leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the visit has not changed the harsh reality on the ground.
In fact, while Hun Sen was in Myanmar, violence perpetrated by the Myanmar military continued and led to civilian casualties. After Hun Sen returned to Cambodia, the junta even sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to another four years of imprisonment.
Indeed, there has been no indication whatsoever that the junta will take serious steps to implement ASEAN’s five-point consensus (FPC). In fact, the visit was used by the military junta to create an impression of legitimacy and acceptance conferred by the ASEAN chair.
The joint press release on the visit clearly refers to Min Aung Hlaing as “Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.” Hun Sen was also of the view that the junta should be included in ASEAN meetings, including in future summits, and he would work toward that end.
The visit, and its outcomes, raised a lot of questions regarding the ability of ASEAN to remain united in trying to resolve the problem of Myanmar. Hun Sen was reminded before and after the visit that the FPC should be a starting point for ASEAN’s approach to Myanmar.
Before the visit, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo clearly told Hun Sen that ASEAN must stick to the FPC to bring democracy back in Myanmar. As this position might have been compromised, differences among ASEAN member states began to appear.
Immediately after the visit, there was an announcement that a foreign ministers retreat was postponed indefinitely.
