ASEAN leaders call for full implementation of Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar

by HIDAYATH HISHAM

ASEAN leaders have reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains the bloc’s primary reference in resolving the crisis in Myanmar and called for its implementation in full and without delay.

In a joint statement issued during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the leaders expressed concern over the worsening conflict and humanitarian conditions in the country, further compounded by the March 28 earthquake.

“We reiterate that the Five-Point Consensus remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar, and it should be implemented in its entirety to help the people of Myanmar achieve an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led,” the statement reads.

ASEAN leaders acknowledged recent declarations of temporary ceasefires by Myanmar’s military authorities and other parties, but stressed that these efforts must be expanded and sustained nationwide.

They urged all sides to halt violence against civilians, stop attacks on public infrastructure, and commit to restraint in order to establish a safer environment for humanitarian aid and inclusive national dialogue.

ASEAN also called for the timely and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance without discrimination, and said this must be guided by recent needs assessments carried out by ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

The statement encourages all stakeholders to build trust through sustained engagement, with the aim of launching a comprehensive national dialogue consistent with the Five-Point Consensus.

“We reaffirmed our continued support for the work of the ASEAN Chair, including through the Special Envoy, in the full and effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” it said.

ASEAN also welcomed international support, particularly from the United Nations, in helping the region facilitate a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political solution.

ASEAN leaders called to strengthen cooperation within the bloc, its partners, neighbouring countries and the UN, especially in managing the wider impacts of the crisis, including the surge in transnational crimes such as trafficking and online scams.