[UPDATED] Asean urges nationwide Myanmar ceasefire as step towards peace

New Straits Times

27-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have called for a sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar as an initial step towards ending violence.
In a joint statement, the leaders said this should be done with a view to establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
They also urged all parties to cease any acts of violence against civilians and public facilities.
"We urge them to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians.
"In this regard, we appreciate the declaration of three consecutive temporary ceasefires by the authority in Myanmar and the other unilateral ceasefires by other relevant stakeholders.
"We further called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar, as an initial step towards the cessation of violence, with a view to creating a safe and conducive environment in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance, to reach those in need and establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus," they said after the 46th Asean Summit.
Asean, the leaders said, is committed to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing crisis.
They also reiterated that the 5PC remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar, and it should be implemented in its entirety.
This is to help the people of Myanmar achieve an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, thus contributing to peace, security and stability in the region, said the leaders.
"We remain deeply concerned over the escalation of conflicts and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, further compounded by the impact of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
"We urged all parties concerned to ensure the safe, timely, effective and transparent delivery of Asean humanitarian assistance without discrimination based on the Asean-ERAT Rapid Needs Assessment Report and the Joint Needs Assessment by the AHA Centre, with the continued support of relevant stakeholders in Myanmar and through cross-border efforts where necessary," they said.
They also encouraged all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust towards convening an inclusive national dialogue by continuing to reach out to parties with the aim of achieving a durable, peaceful resolution.
"We reaffirmed our continued support for the work of the Asean Chair, including through the Special Envoy, in the full and effective implementation of the 5PC in its entirety, with the sole objective of restoring peace, stability, and democracy through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political solution, for the interest and well-being of the people of Myanmar," they said.
They also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), for Asean in implementing the 5PC.
In addition, they affirmed their readiness to enhance cooperation among Asean member states, external partners, Myanmar's neighbouring countries, and the UN, with a view to supporting Asean's efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar and its broader impacts, including the rise in transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams.