Timor-Leste Urges ASEAN to Continue Intensive Dialogue with Myanmar
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has urged ASEAN to continue intensive dialogue with Myanmar’s authorities in order to alleviate the ongoing issues within the country.
“ASEAN representatives must establish dialogue with Myanmar’s military leaders because, to implement ASEAN’s position, we must engage in dialogue with the leaders of the Tatmadow, who are currently presiding over Myanmar,” Ramos-Horta stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Following a lecture at the ‘Leadership Lecture’ event organised by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Ramos-Horta reminded that ASEAN’s active dialogue with Myanmar’s authorities should be conducted without waiting for the full restoration of democracy in the country.
According to him, ASEAN has already communicated its response regarding the recent dynamics in Myanmar, including the granting of amnesty and the release of detainees in mid-April. ASEAN leaders remain committed to assisting Myanmar in resolving its political crisis, using the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the foundation for these efforts.
“The most important thing is to encourage Myanmar’s current leaders to continue what they have started, such as the release of political prisoners,” he said.
Ramos-Horta also highlighted the situation of democracy activist and former Myanmar state adviser Aung San Suu Kyi, who was also granted amnesty by the Myanmar authorities. He stated that Suu Kyi should be released and permitted to reside in her own home, given that her current health condition requires increased medical attention.
“Show humanitarian spirit and cooperate with mediators, or whoever they wish, to release more detainees and drive the process dynamically,” he added.
Ramos-Horta noted that if Myanmar fulfils its commitments to ASEAN and the situation in the country improves, he would have no objection to Myanmar becoming fully involved in the ASEAN agenda once again.
Meanwhile, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that during the 48th ASEAN Summit, Southeast Asian leaders essentially agreed to strive for a consensus regarding the Myanmar issue. However, discussions remain open to determine the next steps that must be taken for Myanmar.