Indonesia urges Myanmar to immediately approve appointment of ASEAN special envoy

Indonesia’s foreign minister urges Myanmar to approve the appointment of special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying that only small progress had been made between Myanmar and rival sides.

Six months after Myanmar’s junta seized power, the foreign ministers of ASEAN held a meeting to finalize the envoy with a task to end the violence and promote talks between the junta and its opponents.

In a video conference with the media, Indonesia’s Retno Marsudi said that ASEAN had no significant progress over its five-point plan with the aim to put an end on Myanmar’s crisis.

She added that if this went on, the issue on Myanmar should be returned to leaders to give directions.

Crackdown on protests, economic collapse and refugee exodus are among the issues Myanmar is currently facing since the Feb 1 coup, in addition to the surge of coronavirus infections that is already overwhelming the country’s health system.

The United Nations and many countries like the United States and China, have urged ASEAN to be the forefront in the diplomatic efforts in order to restore stability in Myanmar.