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.

The 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.

Three months on, Myanmar is deep in crisis. The military regime is still bent on suppressing all popular opposition, shooting to kill, and using brutal measures to stifle mass protests and the civil disobedience movement. With no signs that any sides are backing down, the impasse is pushing the country to the brink of collapse.

Despite the odds being against all 10 member states speaking resolutely in unison, the leaders’ meeting reached a five-point consensus on the following: an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties concerned, for a special envoy of the ASEAN chair to facilitate mediation with the assistance of the secretary-general, for ASEAN to provide humanitarian assistance, and for the special envoy and delegation to visit Myanmar.

The five-point consensus is a breakthrough as it provides an entry point and framework for constructive dialogue and hopefully, peaceful resolution between all parties. However, conspicuously missing from the five points is the release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, even though it was called for by several member states.

This is a better-than-expected outcome, as historically, it has been extremely difficult to engage with the military regimes of Myanmar. To realistically address the crisis, ASEAN has to speak to the de facto party in power, no matter how unpalatable it may be.

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