Urges Immediate Action for Peace and Humanitarian Support
SINGAPORE — On the first anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed its disappointment regarding the slow progress in implementing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Five-Point Consensus.
In a press release on Tuesday (Feb 1), the MFA stated, “Singapore remains deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar,” emphasizing that conditions for the Myanmar people continue to worsen. The ministry urged the military authorities in Myanmar to “swiftly and fully implement the Five-Point Consensus” and facilitate the ASEAN special envoy’s visit to engage with all relevant parties.
The Five-Point Consensus was adopted on April 24 of last year during a meeting in Jakarta, attended by ASEAN leaders and Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing.
What is the Five-Point Consensus?
The Five-Point Consensus includes the following key points:
Immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, with all parties exercising utmost restraint.
Commencement of constructive dialogue among all concerned parties to seek a peaceful resolution in the interests of the people.
Appointment of a special envoy by the ASEAN chair to facilitate mediation in the dialogue process, with support from the ASEAN Secretary-General.
Provision of humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).
A visit by the special envoy and delegation to Myanmar to meet with all concerned parties.
The MFA also called for the release of all political detainees, including U Win Myint and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as foreign detainees. The ministry urged Myanmar’s military authorities to refrain from actions that could hinder national reconciliation.
“Singapore remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Myanmar,” the ministry added.
Twelve months after the coup, over 1,400 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands more have been arrested as the military junta intensifies its crackdown on dissent.
Last Wednesday, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Myanmar’s military ruler to permit a visit from an ASEAN special envoy and to facilitate access to humanitarian aid. He also extended an invitation to Min Aung Hlaing for an upcoming ASEAN summit, conditional on demonstrable progress on the peace plan established last year.
Recently, ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to four years in prison for charges of incitement against the military and violating COVID-19 restrictions. She is also facing several additional charges, including corruption related to the alleged hiring and purchase of a helicopter.
