Arakan political parties discuss Myanmar crisis in meeting with ASEAN special envoy

By DMG 04 Jul 2022

DMG Newsroom
4 July 2022, Sittwe 

In its meeting with the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar, the Arakan National Party (ANP) suggested that armed groups should not impose barriers on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar people affected by conflict. 

Prak Sokhonn, who is also Cambodia’s foreign minister, met representatives of seven political parties including the ANP, the Arakan Front Party and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party on Saturday in Yangon. 

“Armed troops must give priority to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians over their own security,” said ANP chairman U Tha Tun Hla. “It is important that they do not impose restrictions for the sake of their own safety. Humanitarian aid will reach [its targeted populations] swiftly if and when there are no restrictions.” 

The ANP also made suggestions regarding the provision of humanitarian assistance and ending violence, which are part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) five-point consensus, said U Tha Tun Hla. 

“We discussed that all the armed groups including the Myanmar Tatmadaw [military] have a responsibility to protect the people. Leaders have the responsibility to ensure their troops follow rules of engagement,” he said. 

More than 2,000 people have been killed in crackdowns on anti-regime protests and related opposition since the February 2021 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. 

U Tha Tun Hla said he also called for an all-inclusive political dialogue to solve the Myanmar crisis. 

The Arakan Front Party also met Prak Sokhonn, and the party made suggestions regarding Myanmar’s political crisis in its meeting with the ASEAN special envoy. The party called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the inclusion of all stakeholders in a political dialogue.