ASEAN envoy reaffirms Myanmar stance before leaders’ summit
Thailand’s proposal to let Myanmar’s foreign minister join ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings remains under discussion, with no decision on participation.
- ASEAN's special envoy, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, has reaffirmed that there will be "no easing" of the bloc's approach towards Myanmar's military government.
- The current policy is based on the Five-Point Consensus, which has barred Myanmar's leaders from high-level meetings since the 2021 coup.
- Despite the firm stance, ASEAN leaders are set to review the consensus and consider new proposals during their upcoming summit.
- One proposal still under discussion is whether to allow Myanmar's foreign minister to attend future ASEAN meetings.
The five-year ban on Myanmar’s military-backed leaders attending high-level meetings is due to be reviewed by leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila on November 15–17.
Their summit opens on Sunday, with pressure growing for the restriction to be eased.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the bloc’s special envoy on Myanmar, addressed the issue at a press conference on Saturday (November 14).
She was asked whether a review of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus might alter restrictions on Myanmar’s political leaders.
“To answer you bluntly, there is no easing (of the approach to Myanmar). There is still the Five-Point Consensus,” she said.
ASEAN’s offer of mediation and humanitarian aid forms part of the consensus, together with calls for violence to stop immediately and for constructive dialogue involving all parties.
The agreement is the bloc’s principal framework for addressing the crisis following Myanmar’s military coup in 2021.
Lazaro indicated that “a number of proposals” would go to ASEAN leaders for consideration.
A draft review of the consensus was still being negotiated.
Thailand, one of several ASEAN members to have increased engagement with Myanmar despite its continuing civil war, has proposed including Myanmar’s foreign minister in meetings of ASEAN foreign ministers.
Lazaro confirmed that the question of allowing the minister to take Myanmar’s seat remained undecided.
“It's still there on the table. It's still a subject of discussion,” she said.
Source: Reutes
