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| On March 1, 2021 (local time) in Yangon, Myanmar, protesters against a military coup are throwing objects in response to the riot police’s launch of Cholu gas. © AFP=News1 © News1 Reporter Dongmyeong Woo |
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) urged the Myanmar military on the 2nd (local time) to release state advisor Aung San Suu Kyi and restore democracy.
According to the Voice of the United States (VOA) and others, ASEAN foreign ministers announced that they made such a statement after discussion through videoconference on the day. The military who caused the coup was also present at this meeting.
This year’s ASEAN presidency, Brunei, delivered this statement to the parties.
ASEAN countries said in a statement that they “express concerns about the Myanmar outbreak,” and that “all parties should refrain from further violence and agitation and exercise flexibility.”
“We want all parties to find a peaceful solution through constructive dialogue,” he added.
They also said, “In this regard, we are ready to support Myanmar in a positive, peaceful and constructive way.”
After the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Letno Masudi said, “Myanmar’s democracy must be restored.”
Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussein also called for the release of Shame, saying, “It is important for Myanmar to seek a solution to the political crisis in a way that supports the will and aspirations of the people.”
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Xianlong also showed a negative stance on the possibility of sanctions against Myanmar in an interview with the BBC. “If sanctions are imposed, the people will see the damage rather than affect the military,” he said. Prime Minister Lee also emphasized the immediate release of Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile, Nikkei reported that Indonesia, the largest economy in ASEAN, played a key role in hosting the conference. President Joko Widodo and Malaysian Prime Minister Muhidin Yashin met on February 5 and agreed to convene a special meeting on the coup in Myanmar.