ASEAN Denounces Execution of Four Opposition Activists in Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed its strong disappointment over the execution of four opposition activists in Myanmar.

“ASEAN denounces and is strongly disappointed by the execution of four opposition activists, including Phyo Zeyar Thaw, Kyaw Min Yu, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, despite the appeals by Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, in his capacity as the ASEAN Chair, as well as other ASEAN Member States, for the sentences to be reconsidered. This is an issue that ASEAN takes seriously,” said the ASEAN Chairman’s Statement dated July 25.

While the complexity of the crisis is well recognised and the extreme bellicose mood can be felt from all corners of Myanmar, the statement continued, ASEAN as a whole has called for utmost restraint, patience and efforts to avoid escalating the situation. The implementation of the death sentences, just a week before the 55th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting is highly reprehensible as it created a setback to and present a gross lack of will to support the efforts, particularly by the ASEAN Chair, in expediting progress on the implementation of the of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), namely in building trust and confidence to engender a dialogue among all parties concerned, in order to end violence and alleviate the suffering of the innocent people.

“ASEAN remains committed to the principles of the ASEAN Charter and the mandate of the 5PC. Cambodia, as the ASEAN Chair, wishes to echo the overwhelming voices within ASEAN and the international community in urging the authorities in Naypyitaw to take concrete actions to effectively and fully implement the 5PC. We strongly and urgently call on all parties concerned to desist taking actions that would only further aggravate the crisis, hinder peaceful dialogue among all parties concerned, and endanger peace, security and stability, not only in Myanmar, but the whole region,” it underlined.

ASEAN remains resolved to assist Myanmar’s return to normalcy and democratic transition and to find a peaceful political solution to the current crisis through inclusive dialogue that is Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned, in line with the 5PC and the ASEAN Charter, said the statement, stressing that this is urgently needed to prevent further loss of lives and end the suffering of the people of Myanmar.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press