ASEAN foreign ministers call for end to Myanmar violence
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – ASEAN
foreign ministers on April 19 issued a statement calling on all parties to
immediately cease violence and exercise maximum restraint in the border areas
of Myanmar.
The statement expressed profound concern over
the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar, particularly in the town of
Myawaddy in Kayin state and in Rakhine state where thousands have lost their
homes.
To avoid further humanitarian consequences from
escalating conflicts in any form, ASEAN calls on all parties to immediately
cease violence and exercise maximum restraint, uphold international
humanitarian principles, and take all necessary measures to alleviate tensions
and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians, it said.
The ministers also called for urgent actions to
mitigate the impact of the conflict on civilians, including creating a safe and
conducive environment to ensure the timely and safe delivery of humanitarian
aid.
The statement expressed support for the
continuous efforts of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), as well as the cross-border humanitarian
initiatives by Thailand, in line with the Five-Point Consensus. It also
highlighted coordination with Laos, the ASEAN Chair for 2024, through its
special envoy to Myanmar.
Additionally, the ministers called for
facilitating humanitarian aid activities and promoting comprehensive national
dialogue aimed at achieving a long-term and comprehensive political solution in
Myanmar./.