The regional bloc reaffirmed that Myanmar remains excluded from top-level political meetings until it demonstrates sustained adherence to the Five-Point Consensus peace plan. Adopted following the 2021 coup, the framework mandates an immediate halt to violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian aid delivery, and mediation via a designated special envoy. Meanwhile, the bloc endorsed individual member nations pursuing direct engagement with stakeholders, reflecting recent bilateral initiatives led by Thailand. This diplomatic opening comes as conflict continues to ravage Myanmar, leaving more than 3.5 million people displaced across the country.
Key points
Diplomatic rehabilitation within the regional bloc remains strictly tied to verifiable pr…: Diplomatic rehabilitation within the regional bloc remains strictly tied to verifiable progress on halting violence and initiating constructive dialogue.
Individual member states now have regional backing to pursue direct bilateral engagements…: Individual member states now have regional backing to pursue direct bilateral engagements with Myanmar stakeholders in consultation with the chair.
Outreach efforts by nations like Thailand reflect an ongoing push to normalize relations…: Outreach efforts by nations like Thailand reflect an ongoing push to normalize relations despite continuing turmoil and severe civilian displacement.
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In a notable step, the bloc also appeared to endorse bilateral outreach to Myanmar among its member countries.
MANILA: Southeast Asian leaders said on Sunday (Nov 15) they may consider gradually restoring Myanmar's full political representation in the regional bloc, if the country makes progress on their longstanding plan to resolve its five-year-old crisis.
Leaders of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed at a summit in Manila to maintain their policy of excluding Myanmar from full political representation at ASEAN summits and foreign ministers' meetings for now.
But they said they had agreed to pursue a "calibrated engagement" through a "phased and progress-based" approach, if Myanmar makes "sustained and concrete" progress on the bloc's proposed plan, known as the five-point consensus, or 5PC.
ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus
Following a 2021 military coup, ASEAN has excluded Myanmar from high-level meetings as it has yet to make meaningful progress on the bloc's Five-Point Consensus to end hostilities.
During a meeting in April 2021, all ASEAN leaders reached a consensus about the situation in Myanmar.
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