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Myanmar’s shadow government stands ready to engage ASEAN
Myanmar’s National Unity Government, an organization that represents mostly members of the civilian legislature deposed in a recent coup, has expressed its readiness to work with ASEAN after its leaders called for an end to violence by the military regime.
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This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source via Facebook on April 15 shows protesters on scooters holding up the three-finger salute during a demonstration against the military leadership in Mandalay, Myanmar. (AFP/Handout)
Myanmar’s National Unity Government, an organization that represents mostly members of the civilian legislature deposed in a recent coup, has expressed its readiness to work with ASEAN after its leaders called for an end to violence by the military regime.
ASEAN leaders met at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Saturday in a gathering led by group chair Brunei to engage with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, who agreed to the regional “five-point consensus” that also called for immediate access to humanitarian assistance.
The leaders further agreed to have Brunei appoint a special envoy for Myanmar, who will be assisted by ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi in facilitating dialogue among all parties concerned in Myanmar.
The meeting with the senior general was met with initial criticism amid concerns that it would be perceived as recognizing the military leadership that has killed more than 750 people and detained over 3,000 more since usurping power from the civilian government on Feb. 1.
In a statement published on Tuesday, NUG prime minister Mahn Win Khaing Thann said that, while it was “unfortunate” that his side did not have the opportunity to brief ASEAN leaders on the realities of Myanmar in Saturday's meeting, he welcomed the results of the summit nonetheless.
“The NUG, in the spirit of the ASEAN Way enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, stands ready to engage with the ASEAN envoy, the ASEAN Secretary-General and other representatives of ASEAN collectively and individually in the constructive and inclusive manner that ASEAN envisages for helping Myanmar and her people emerge from the current crisis,” Win Khaing Thann said.
