ASEAN's call for ceasefire and dialogue unlikely in Myanmar: observers

By Admin 14 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 October 2024, Sittwe

Southeast Asian leaders have again called for the cessation of hostilities and initiation of peace talks in Myanmar during the latest summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but sceptics in the country to which their words were directed remain.

In a statement issued last week, ASEAN leaders urged "all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint, and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians."

Political observers, however, said the armed conflicts ravaging Myanmar are unlikely to stop any time soon.

One former student leader from Arakan State said: "Peace talks are unlikely, given the current military situation. It appears China supports the legitimacy of the regime. It is also supporting the regime militarily. The regime has got breathing space. Peace talks are unlikely whether they are demanded by ASEAN or any other country."

Representatives from the US, Russia, China, Japan, India and South Korea also attended the ASEAN Summit, held from October 6-11.

"If the regime were isolated economically and politically, it would not be able to survive," he added. "The international community must make sure the regime can't import aviation fuel and weapons. Otherwise, it will prolong the civil war in Myanmar, and more lives and property will be lost."

One-third of the country's population, or around 18.6 million people, need humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. ASEAN called for a Myanmar-owned and -led peaceful resolution.

Observers say that although ASEAN's recommendations are constructive, the regional bloc should put pressure on those involved in Myanmar's armed conflicts.

One political and military observer from Arakan State said: "It would be better if ASEAN makes specific recommendations and puts pressure on those involved. But it has only made general recommendations. Looking at the situation on the ground, the fighting is unlikely to stop."

Despite international condemnation, the regime continues to commit war crimes against civilians with impunity. The regime has turned a blind eye to the five-point consensus agreed by junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and leaders of fellow ASEAN countries in the aftermath of the 2021 coup to solve the Myanmar issue.