ASEAN Reiterates Commitment To Myanmar Peace Plan, Calls For End To Violence

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) – ASEAN leaders have expressed deep concern over the worsening conflict and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, urging all parties to halt violence and recommit to the grouping’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary framework for resolving the crisis.

In a Chairman’s Statement issued at the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit chaired by Malaysia here today, the leaders stressed that the 5PC remains the regional grouping’s central reference in guiding efforts toward restoring peace and stability in Myanmar, which has been plagued by conflict since the military seized power in 2021.

“We reaffirmed our united position that the 5PC remains our main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar,” the statement read, underscoring the bloc’s consensus to uphold previous decisions made by ASEAN Heads of State and Government.

The leaders also reiterated their decision to restrict Myanmar’s representation at ASEAN Summits and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings to the non-political level, while affirming that ASEAN’s community-building efforts and decision-making processes must continue unaffected.

The summit welcomed the exchange of ideas during recent informal consultations aimed at reinvigorating implementation of the 5PC and finding practical ways forward amid the lack of tangible progress on the ground.

ASEAN denounced the continued violence perpetrated against civilians and public facilities in Myanmar, calling on all actors to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of non-combatants and essential infrastructure.

“We urge all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence,” the leaders said, while also calling for an environment that enables humanitarian access and inclusive national dialogue.

In a significant move, the bloc issued the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar, aimed at reducing hostilities and creating space for peaceful negotiations.

ASEAN leaders also welcomed ongoing humanitarian relief efforts by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), in line with Point 4 of the 5PC, which calls for the provision of humanitarian aid.

Recognising the immense needs on the ground, the leaders appealed to the international community to scale up financial support, particularly to aid internally displaced persons (IDPs) and safeguard their livelihoods.

The leaders praised the efforts of Tan Sri Othman Hashim, the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, for his proactive engagement with a broad spectrum of Myanmar stakeholders since assuming the role in January 2025.

According to the summit statement, the Special Envoy has consulted not only ASEAN member states but also dialogue partners, neighbouring countries, civil society organisations, humanitarian actors, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders.

This inclusive approach, ASEAN said, demonstrates the bloc’s determination to find a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the Myanmar crisis through collaboration and diplomacy.

The leaders also acknowledged the value of recent informal consultations involving the current, past and incoming ASEAN Chairs, as well as additional member states interested in advancing implementation of the 5PC.

Such engagements, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, reflect ASEAN’s united stance and collective political will to pursue meaningful outcomes for Myanmar’s long-troubled political transition.

-- BERNAMA