Author: Bhavan Jaipragas
Affiliation: Asia Correspondent for The South China Morning Post
Organization/Publisher: The South China Morning Post
Date/Place: April 25, 2021/ Hong Kong, China
Type of Literature: Analysis
Word Count: 1603
Keywords: Myanmar, ASEAN, Diplomacy
Brief:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has succeeded to be the first institution to hold a mediation with Myanmar’s army chief, Min Aung Hlaing regarding the Myanmar crisis after the military coup in February. The April 24th summit held in Jakarta concluded with the agreement on “Five-Point Consensus” which are: immediate ending of violence, constructive talks among all parties concerned for peaceful resolution, the appointment of ASEAN chair to facilitate the mediation process, humanitarian aid to Myanmar, and that all ASEAN appointments and delegations should be allowed to visit Myanmar. The author identifies some important points missing in the meeting. For instance, the “Five-Point Consensus” did not mention the release of National League for Democracy (NLD) leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other political prisoners who have been in military custody since the military coup in February. Additionally, the National Unity Government (NUG), a group of NLD figures and civil activists who are in exile to avoid capture and who claim to be the rightful government of Myanmar, is absent on the consensus. However, this meeting was not in vain. First, the fact that ASEAN has succeeded to facilitate a mediation with army chief Min Aung Hlaing is a very important step forward to de-escalate the situation in the region; second, this meeting is the answer to some sceptics’ arguments over whether ASEAN would unite to do anything. The “Five-Point Consensus” that has been agreed upon is not the end solution to the crisis, rather it’s a big step in the ongoing de-escalation progress.
By: Salman Nugraha, CIGA Research Intern
