BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: An Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit started on Tuesday (Oct 26) without military-ruled Myanmar, after its junta refused to send a representative following its leader’s exclusion for ignoring a peace road map agreed upon six months ago.
ASEAN had said that it would accept a non-political representative from Myanmar, but the junta said on Monday that it would only agree to its leader or a minister attending.
Myanmar’s absence was not mentioned by either Brunei, the ASEAN chair, or the 10-member bloc’s secretary-general at the opening of the virtual meeting.
ASEAN decided to sideline from the summit junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led a Feb 1 coup against an elected government, for his failure to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and start dialogue with opponents, as agreed with ASEAN in April.
After Tuesday’s leaders’ meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Twitter that he fully supported Brunei’s decision on Myanmar’s representation, while Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha said that ASEAN’s dealings with Myanmar were crucial for its reputation and a test of its resolve.
“ASEAN’s constructive role in addressing this situation is of paramount importance, and our action on this matter shall have a bearing on ASEAN’s credibility in the eyes of the international community,” Prayut said, according to his office.
The sidelining of Min Aung Hlaing was a huge insult to the junta, and a rare, bold step by a regional grouping known for its code of non-interference and engagement.
Myanmar’s military, which ruled the country for 49 of the past 60 years, objected strongly, accusing ASEAN of departing from its norms and of allowing itself to be influenced by other countries, including the United States.
ASEAN made the call days after its special envoy Erywan Yusof said that he would not be given access to all parties in the country, including ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is charged with multiple crimes.
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