BANGKOK – Asean urgently called on all parties concerned, “in particular one with significant power on the ground”, to take concrete action to seek a peaceful solution to the Myanmar crisis.
Cambodia, Asean’s current chair, said the bloc is gravely concerned over the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar, including the bombing in Insein prison, hostilities in Karen state, and the most recent report of an air strike in Kachin state, which hit a civilian gathering, killing and injuring many people.
“We are deeply saddened by the growing casualties, and the immense suffering that ordinary people in Myanmar have endured.
“We, therefore, strongly urge utmost restraint and the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar.
“We urgently call on all parties concerned, in particular those with significant power on the ground, to take concrete action to enable inclusive and constructive dialogue; seeking a peaceful solution and national reconciliation in Myanmar for the sake of peace, security, and stability in the region,” it said in a statement following the recent escalation of violence in Myanmar.
The statement said it observed with alarm the latest intensified fighting, which not only worsened the humanitarian situation throughout Myanmar but went against the spirit of Asean’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
The media reported on Monday that an air strike killed at least 50 people at a concert in Hpakant, Kachin State on October 23.
Kachin Independence Army spokesman Naw Bu said the attack targeted celebrations of the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin army’s political wing, the Kachin Independence Organisation, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the United Nations said it was deeply concerned and saddened by reports of air strikes that took place in Hpakant.
“The UN continues to verify the details of this attack. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those killed or injured. The UN calls for those injured to be given urgent medical treatment as needed.
“What would appear to be excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be held to account,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar Foreign Affairs Ministry said some Western countries including the United States and the spokesman of the UN secretary-general have issued one-sided statements regarding the incidents, based on “facts emanating from groups opposed to the government, unverifiable sources from media outlets, and social media”.
The ministry advised foreign governments and the UN to verify facts before making statements.
“Issuing statements without proper verification tends to be the intentional dissemination of rumours.
“It is also not only tantamount to meddling in the internal affairs of a state, but also the violation of the principles and norms stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“The Foreign Affairs Ministry has also sent diplomatic notes of objection to the related embassies and the UN in Yangon, which issued the statement on this incident,” it said.
Asean foreign ministers will hold a special meeting in Indonesia on Thursday to discuss the Myanmar peace process.
Myanmar will not be represented at the Asean summit next month after the junta declined a proposal to send a non-junta representative.
On February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup, hours before the newly elected Parliament was due to convene for the first time, leading to unrest and turmoil in the country ever since. – Bernama, October 26, 2022
