Regarding the issue of Myanmar, the ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed a common approach in the implementation of the Five-Point ConsensusJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has affirmed the position of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to unitedly implement the Five-Point Consensus to tackle the political crisis in Myanmar.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed this stance at a press conference following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM) here on Saturday.
"Regarding the issue of Myanmar, the ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed a common approach in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus," she said.
She made the statement to quell doubts about ASEAN's capability and credibility in responding to challenges in the region.
Several media reports have held that ASEAN does not have a single voice regarding the Myanmar issue because its member countries have different views.
Thailand, for example, chose to engage with Myanmar via an unofficial forum last December before the forum was boycotted by half of ASEAN members.
However, Marsudi emphasized that ASEAN has a common approach and attitude toward dealing with the situation in Myanmar.
"Indonesia has proposed and negotiated the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. This plan has received wide support from all members," she said.
"This shows the strong unity of ASEAN members to implement the Five-Point Consensus," she added.
The consensus was devised by ASEAN leaders after a special meeting, which was also attended by Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, to help the country overcome its political crisis.
The consensus calls for an end to violence in Myanmar, the appointment of an ASEAN special envoy to facilitate mediation and dialogue, and the acceptance of ASEAN humanitarian assistance.
It also seeks approval for the ASEAN special envoy to meet with all stakeholders in Myanmar.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs' special staff for regional diplomacy, Ngurah Swajaya, Indonesia has established a special envoy's office that would allow ASEAN foreign ministers to carry out internal coordination.
This has been done to reach a solution to create a national dialogue with all parties in Myanmar.
"They (ASEAN members) handed over to Indonesia as chair of ASEAN, and Indonesia will report the latest developments to ASEAN countries regarding developments that will be and have been carried out," he said.
"In essence, ASEAN is united. This is a process that we cannot share publicly yet. But, hopefully, this can give a positive indication in the not-too-distant future," added Minister Marsudi.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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