Vientiane: In the heart of Southeast Asia, a beacon of hope shines for Myanmar as the next round of extended informal consultations is set to take place in bustling Bangkok this month. The talks are poised to bolster the esteemed five-point consensus on Myanmar, previously put forth by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Chatoulong Bouasisavath, the director-general of Laos’ Asean Department, relayed this promising news during the 8th Asean Media Forum held in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos.
Laos, proudly donning the Asean chair mantle this year, gears up for crucial conversations that will see past, present, and future Asean chairs pool wisdom and resources. This dynamic trio will engage in a comprehensive review of the five-point consensus, a framework adopted during the chairmanship of industrious Indonesia last year. With Malaysia waiting in the wings to claim the chair in the coming year, the role of each chair is undeniably pivotal in the path forward.
The five-point consensus itself is a sturdy construct designed to address the simmering crisis in Myanmar. It calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogues among all stakeholders, the appointment of a dedicated special envoy, provision of Asean-led humanitarian aid, and importantly, an envoy’s mission to Myanmar to meet with all involved parties.
Primed with optimism, Mr. Bouasisavath voiced confidence in Laos’ aspirations as the current Asean chair, especially in light of the Myanmar crisis. He elucidated, “The main aim is ensuring the seamless execution of the consensus. By reviewing the endeavors of the previous chairs and strategizing for the incoming leadership, we maintain momentum and clarity.”
Crucially, the consultation invites not just the triumvirate of chairs but extends an olive branch to all Asean members vested in resolving the Myanmar unrest. Bouasisavath assures, “This gathering remains harmonious with the five-point consensus, leveraging our collective transparency and unity.” Under his stewardship, Laos has exemplified its commitment by permitting a non-political representative from Myanmar at the Asean summit—a gesture underscoring the consensus’s ethos of a ‘Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned’ resolution.
This year, Laos has taken significant strides in addressing Myanmar’s plight, coordinating a meeting in July that convened this year’s, last year’s, and next year’s Asean chairs. Their discussions are emblematic of a concerted regional effort to untangle the ongoing crisis thread by thread.
The forum itself, helmed by the Asean Secretariat, served as a melting pot of journalistic insight, drawing together reporters from across the region to dissect pressing affairs and explore collaborative avenues. Traditionally convened post-Asean summit in the host nation, the forum continued its legacy this year with aplomb.
As anticipation swells for the December 20 talks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura shed light on the potential complexities. He noted the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military overlord, Min Aung Hlaing, concerning crimes against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Thailand, though not an ICC member, acknowledges the intricacies entwined with this delicate matter, keenly aware of the broader implications for the impending discussions.
In the spirit of regional unity and shared resolve, the upcoming consultations stand as a testament to Asean’s commitment to steering Myanmar towards a horizon of peace and stability, breathing life into the long-coveted dream of a harmonious Southeast Asia.
I think ASEAN’s efforts in Myanmar are admirable, but will the five-point consensus actually change anything on the ground?
I agree, Joe. It seems like a lot of talk without real action. What about the military junta? They aren’t exactly known for their responsiveness.
Exactly my point, Sarah. Dialogue is great and all, but unless there’s pressure or consequences, I’m afraid the situation might stay the same.
In the world of diplomacy, it takes time to see changes. Immediate action isn’t always possible or effective.
Even if it’s slow, isn’t any progress better than nothing? At least ASEAN is doing something.
Why hasn’t anyone talked about sanctions as a tool to influence Myanmar’s junta? Economic pressure could be a game-changer.
Sanctions have their place, but they can also hurt civilians more than the government. It’s a delicate balance.
True, but if targeted correctly, they could cripple the junta’s financial backbone without broadly impacting the populace.
True, but history shows us that sanctions often hit the poorest hardest, regardless of intent.
Why bother with ASEAN? The UN should be handling this. They have more clout on an international scale.
The ASEAN countries are directly affected by Myanmar’s instability. They should definitely have a significant role in these discussions.
I get it, but wouldn’t a global response be stronger overall?
A global response might be more powerful, but regional entities often have better insight and more vested interest.
I’m just worried about the humanitarian aspect. What about the people suffering right now?
ASEAN-led humanitarian aid is part of the consensus, but execution has been painfully slow so far.
Recalling past conflicts. Southeast Asia has been a region of turmoil; this is no surprise.
It’s great that Laos is stepping up, but how heavy is Malaysia’s involvement going to be next year? They need to be ready.
Malaysia has been vocal about Myanmar; I’m sure they’ll maintain, if not increase, their involvement.
Can ASEAN succeed where others have failed? This talk of a ‘Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned’ resolution sounds like wishful thinking.
It might sound utopian, but fostering ownership can lead to more sustainable peace.
Maybe, John, but look at the track record so far. How many times have these resolutions truly worked?
Not often, but that doesn’t mean they can’t strive to be exceptions.
Focusing on international criminal charges like those by ICC could complicate diplomatic efforts. What happens if Min Aung Hlaing travels?
ASEAN seems too slow to respond, and politics as usual means Myanmar’s suffering continues. Time for a stronger stance.
Unfortunately, diplomatic issues often move at a glacial pace. We can only hope for some acceleration in future responses.
Does anyone think ASEAN’s role will diminish or grow when Malaysia takes over the chair next year?