Progress on Implementation of ASEAN Five-Point Consensus on Situation in Myanmar
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Alex Yam’s inquiry regarding the assessment of meaningful progress on implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus for ending violence and starting dialogue in Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan detailed the consensus components, including the cessation of violence, appointment of a special envoy, and provision of humanitarian assistance. He noted that implementation has been very slow, though ASEAN is currently working on the nomination of an envoy team and the modalities for humanitarian disbursement. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized that the Myanmar military must uphold its commitment to the consensus, which is unrelated to its own political roadmap. He concluded that while the process towards reconciliation will take time and has no quick fixes, Singapore and ASEAN remain ready to help the concerned stakeholders.
Transcript
63 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he can provide an update on the Ministry’s assessment of any meaningful progress on the implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus for an end to violence and start of dialogue in Myanmar.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Five-Point Consensus was agreed to by all the ASEAN Leaders and the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar military. The Five-Point Consensus called for (i) the immediate cessation of violence and all parties to exercise utmost restraint, (ii) commencement of constructive dialogue among all parties to seek a peaceful solution, (iii) the appointment of a special envoy or envoys of the ASEAN Chair to facilitate mediation and (iv) for the envoy(s) to be given access to all parties concerned; and (v) the provision of humanitarian assistance through the AHA Centre. ASEAN Leaders also called for the release of all political detainees. Brunei, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2021, visited Myanmar from 3 to 5 June 2021 with the ASEAN Secretary General to hold preliminary discussions with the Myanmar military authorities.
ASEAN Member States are working on the implementation of the Consensus, including the nomination of an ASEAN envoy comprising a team of eminent individuals, the modalities of sending such an envoy, as well as how and when to disburse humanitarian assistance.
The implementation of the Five-Point Consensus has been very slow so far and we are working within ASEAN to expedite this process. It is imperative that the Myanmar military authorities uphold their commitment to implement the Five-Point Consensus, which is totally unrelated to their Five-Point Roadmap. The stakeholders in Myanmar must decide to come together to seek genuine dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation. There are no quick fixes for the situation in Myanmar. The process is a difficult one and will take time. Singapore, along with ASEAN, stands ready to help.