Thailand’s foreign minister expresses hope that Myanmar’s recent election could begin a transition to peace, as ASEAN ministers adopt a pragmatic stance.
CEBU: Thailand’s foreign minister expressed hope that Myanmar’s recent election could be the start of a transition towards sustainable peace.
Speaking on the sidelines of an ASEAN retreat, Sihasak Phuangketkeow acknowledged the poll was not perfect. “We hope that it will be the start of the transition,” he told reporters.
He noted that observers sent to Myanmar for the poll would remain in place for three more months. The Philippines’ foreign minister, Theresa Lazaro, said a good number of ASEAN members held similar pragmatic views.
“As far as the ASEAN collective, there is no endorsement at this time,” Lazaro clarified at a press briefing. She described the hopefulness as a view that the elections might be something positive.
Foreign ministers had held a two-hour meeting devoted to the Myanmar conflict. Phuangketkeow said the situation had special relevance for neighbouring Thailand.
“For most of us, especially Thailand, the position is we hope they will continue after the election with dialogue, reconciliation and (the) peace process,” he said.
Myanmar’s pro-military party declared victory in junta-run elections widely labelled a “sham” by rights groups. Critics say the poll was designed to prolong the army’s grip on power following a 2021 coup.
ASEAN’s efforts to defuse the civil war have centred on a five-point plan agreed to in 2021. The plan has so far borne little fruit.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said last month ASEAN would avoid actions conferring premature legitimacy. UN expert Tom Andrews urged the global community to reject results he said the junta had orchestrated.
“International acceptance of this fraudulent exercise would set back the clock on genuine resolution to this crisis,” he said.
