ASEAN Leaders meeting and Myanmar
ASEAN leaders will meet tomorrow in Jakarta. Among the issues to be discussed include the unrest in Myanmar after a coup ousted democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi, a charismatic leader from the National League of Democracy. It has been reported hundreds have been killed.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. echoed calls for the return to the status quo ante to restore peace and order. In a statement, he expressed support for the Brunei Darussalam’s and ASEAN Secretary-General’s call for ASEAN leaders to visit Myanmar and spearhead the group’s response to the existing crisis.
Even China’s top diplomat, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hopes the meeting tomorrow would provide the needed solution to the predicament. Reports disclosed hundreds have been left injured while several hundreds have been incarcerated.
While not a member of ASEAN, China is included in the ASEAN Plus Three, together with Japan and South Korea.
Minister Wang was quoted saying inappropriate intervention from outside the region should be discouraged as it will not help resolve Myanmar’s internal problems.
Everyone must take an objective and fair approach to help ease the uncertainty in Myanmar as loss of lives and property will surely bring more difficulties than answers.
*A closer look at issues.