Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan reiterates ‘deep disappointment’ over Myanmar situation

Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan reiterates 'deep disappointment' over Myanmar situation

The regime change has prompted the emergence of opposition movements, some armed, across the country, which the military has countered with lethal action.

Southeast Asian countries have led efforts to bring peace to Myanmar, but the junta has done little to implement the consensus agreed upon last April.

At Thursday’s meeting, Dr Balakrishnan urged Myanmar’s military authorities to “swiftly and fully implement” the plan, which includes granting the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar access to all stakeholders and facilitating the swift, equitable and transparent distribution of humanitarian assistance to all in need, without discrimination, said MFA.

“He reaffirmed the need for ASEAN to engage all stakeholders in Myanmar soon and called for constructive dialogue among all parties concerned to seek a peaceful solution in the interests of the people of Myanmar.”

The foreign ministers agreed to continue discussing recommendations to be proposed to ASEAN leaders at the upcoming summits, MFA added.

Thursday’s meeting at the ASEAN secretariat in the Indonesian capital was not attended by any representatives from Myanmar.

Myanmar had been invited to send a non-political representative, but the junta did not agree.