Myanmar Violence: ASEAN Condemnation Expected
ASEAN Forum Condemns Myanmar Violence,Urges halt to Attacks
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JAKARTA,Indonesia – The Association of Southeast asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum has strongly condemned the ongoing violence against civilians and public facilities in Myanmar,expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation.The meeting, currently chaired by malaysia, is urging all parties involved to immediately cease indiscriminate violence and prioritize the safety of civilians.
Calls for Restraint and Protection of Civilians
A draft chairman’s statement,seen by Agence France-Presse (AFP),details the forum’s denunciation of continued attacks. The statement calls for “concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures.”
This comes as Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s central belt, killing nearly 3,800 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless. While the junta pledged a temporary ceasefire from April to June to facilitate rebuilding efforts, the truce was repeatedly violated by both junta airstrikes and attacks from armed resistance groups.
Junta’s Planned Elections Face International Skepticism
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior Gen.Min Aung Hlaing, announced plans to hold elections in December and January – the first since the 2021 coup. Though, these plans have been met with widespread skepticism from international monitors, who deem any elections under military rule a sham. Analysts predict the polls will likely be targeted by opposition forces, possibly igniting further bloodshed.
The planned elections are occurring as junta forces are experiencing notable territorial losses to pro-democracy guerrillas and powerful ethnic armed organizations. While military support from China and Russia is helping the junta stave off complete defeat, vast areas of the country are increasingly beyond its control, raising serious questions about the feasibility of a genuinely representative democratic exercise.
Humanitarian Crisis deepens
The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 6,600 people killed and millions displaced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. The ASEAN Regional Forum’s statement underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating needs of the affected population and ensuring access to humanitarian aid.
Critics have long characterized ASEAN as a “toothless talking shop,” but this latest statement demonstrates a growing regional pressure on the Myanmar junta to address the crisis and return the country to a path towards peace and democracy.The international community remains focused on holding the junta accountable for its actions and supporting the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of a stable and prosperous future.