Aung San Suu Kyi Meets ICRC as Myanmar Seeks to 'Approach' ASEAN

Detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday, one of the first published contacts she has had with an external party since the military seized power in February 2021. The military-backed government announced the meeting and released four photographs showing Suu Kyi with ICRC’s permanent representative to Myanmar, Arnaud de Baecque, in the capital Naypyidaw. The meeting occurred just days before junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s scheduled visit to Thailand, his first since becoming president. Two of the photographs show Suu Kyi shaking hands and talking with de Baecque in a sparsely furnished room. The government did not disclose the content of their discussion. Two other images show Suu Kyi cutting a pink birthday cake in what is believed to be her place of detention, suggesting the photos may have been taken around her 81st birthday in June. The exact timing and location of the photos could not be independently verified. Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since the 2021 coup and is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges her supporters say are politically motivated. In late April, following Min Aung Hlaing’s controversial appointment as president, the government announced a reduction in her sentence as part of a prisoner amnesty. Analysts suggest the meeting with the ICRC and the release of the photos are linked to Myanmar’s efforts to gain diplomatic acceptance from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Independent analyst David Mathieson said the regime is trying to rehabilitate its image and be seen as a responsible ASEAN member, even as it continues to reject the bloc’s five-point peace consensus. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the meeting, expressing hope that Myanmar would take further positive steps towards peace and stability. However, the group Justice For Myanmar criticised the regional engagement, arguing that Min Aung Hlaing should be held accountable for his crimes rather than granted legitimacy. The ICRC has not yet commented on the meeting.