12-1-2024 (YANGON) In a bid to address the ongoing challenges to peace in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military junta, engaged in discussions with Alounkeo Kittikhoun, the vice-minister of foreign affairs for Laos and the newly appointed Asean special envoy. The meeting took place as Laos assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a role crucial for fostering regional stability.
The encounter between Min Aung Hlaing and Kittikhoun occurred against the backdrop of growing frustration within Asean over the junta’s perceived lack of commitment to the peace plan collectively agreed upon by all Asean members, including Myanmar, in 2021. Since the military’s seizure of power in a 2021 coup, Myanmar has been marred by persistent violence and turmoil.
Asean has consistently called on the junta to cease hostilities and adhere to the “five-point consensus” aimed at restoring peace. However, the junta has adamantly refused to engage in dialogue with its opponents, including the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and the pro-democracy resistance movement, dismissing them as “terrorists.”
Despite the critical nature of the discussions, Laos has remained tight-lipped about the envoy’s visit, with no mention of the meeting in its state-run media or an official statement from the Asean chair. Requests for comments from Laos’ foreign ministry have yet to receive a response.
In recent months, violence in Myanmar has escalated, particularly in the northern regions where ethnic minority armies have intensified efforts to reclaim territories from the junta. This includes capturing outposts and even securing control of a major commercial town on the border with China.
The military junta, facing challenges on multiple fronts, is contending with pro-democracy militias that emerged in response to the brutal crackdown on nationwide protests. Although Myanmar’s generals have been excluded from high-level Asean meetings, the bloc maintains communication with the junta, primarily through the office of the special envoy, which rotates leadership among member states annually.
According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, the discussions between Min Aung Hlaing and Kittikhoun revolved around the government’s efforts to ensure peace, stability, and national reconciliation. The junta leader asserted that his administration is actively implementing the Asean five-point consensus in alignment with the roadmap of the State Administration Council, the official name of the military government.
However, the junta’s own five-point roadmap, announced immediately after seizing power, deviates significantly from the Asean plan. It places a greater emphasis on pandemic recovery and includes plans for the junta to organize a new election, facilitated by its own poll body, once the state of emergency concludes.
Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the NUG, emphasized the need for the special envoy to engage with all stakeholders, not just the junta. “As three years have already passed, the junta leader has proved that they have no willingness to implement the five-point consensus,” stated Kyaw Zaw. “It is crucial to directly engage with the legitimate and lawful government NUG, ethnic armed groups, and resistance forces.”
