ASEAN leaders call for extended ceasefire in Myanmar
The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have urged all parties in the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar to extend and expand a temporary ceasefire declared after a major earthquake in March.
They issued a statement on Tuesday after wrapping up a series of their summit talks in Kuala Lumpur.
In Myanmar, fighting has continued between the military and pro-democracy forces since the military coup in 2021.
The ASEAN chiefs said in the statement that they remain deeply concerned over the escalation of conflicts and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar. They urged all parties to immediately cease acts of violence against civilians and public facilities.
The military and pro-democracy forces declared a temporary ceasefire to prioritize relief efforts following the massive earthquake in March.
The ASEAN leaders said they appreciate the declaration and called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire to achieve a peaceful solution.
Wednesday marks two months after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake devastated central Myanmar. The military says the temblor killed more than 3,700 people and injured over 5,000. Many people are still living in tents and temporary houses.
The United Nations says about 2 million children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and is calling for long-term support from the international community.
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