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SINGAPORE: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should reiterate its guiding principles, including adherence to democracy and respect for human rights regarding the situation in Myanmar, should member states not have no choice but to state their individual positions on the issue, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Tuesday (March 2).
However, such a result would only underscore the lack of unity in the group, he added.
Speaking during an informal meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, he said that while Singapore fully supports the principles of non-interference and consensus enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, the grouping must demonstrate its ability to reach a common position on the ASEAN events in your own region.
He reiterated Singapore’s support for the statement issued by ASEAN President Brunei on February 1, which reaffirmed the importance of the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter.
These include adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, as well as the respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We have also called for dialogue, reconciliation and a return to normalcy in accordance with the will of the people of Myanmar,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.
He added: “It is critical that ASEAN continues to reiterate our guiding principles in light of the unfolding tragedy in Myanmar.”
“Otherwise, we will have no choice but to express our views on the situation as individual ASEAN member states. But frankly, this would clearly underscore our lack of unity and undermine our credibility and relevance as an organization, ”he said.
He added that Singapore is deeply saddened and deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar.
“Over the past weekend, there was a significant escalation of violence in the cities of Myanmar, resulting in many deaths and injuries. We are dismayed by the use of deadly force by the Myanmar security forces against protesters, many of them young, simply to hope for a better future. The use of deadly force against unarmed civilians, under any circumstance, is unforgivable. “
He said the immediate priority must be to step back from a rapidly deteriorating situation.
“It is not too late. Singapore calls on the Myanmar military authorities to commit publicly, in word and deed today, to exercise the utmost restraint, to desist from the use of deadly force and to firmly ensure that there is no further violence or spill. of blood “.
Dr. Balakrishnan said that Singapore, like many countries, hopes to see national reconciliation and stability in Myanmar.
We therefore call on the military authorities in the strongest terms to urgently seek a negotiated compromise with the current situation. It is critical that Myanmar’s key stakeholders come together to find a peaceful long-term political solution that includes a return to Myanmar. democratic path, taking into account the legitimate interests of all parties ”, he said.
“And in this regard, Singapore strongly urges the immediate release of President Win Myint, State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi and the other political detainees, so that they can enter into direct and meaningful negotiations in good faith.”
Myanmar has been rocked by a wave of protests across the country demanding a return to democracy. (Photo: Associated Press)
At least 18 people were killed on Sunday, the United Nations human rights office said, as Myanmar authorities cracked down on protests against the February 1 military coup.
On Tuesday, Myanmar police opened fire to disperse protesters who had gathered behind barricades in different parts of the main city of Yangon to chant slogans against the military government.
There were no reports of injuries in Yangon, but several people were injured in the northwestern city of Kale when police fired live ammunition to disperse the crowd, according to a democracy activist and a reporter in the city.
ASEAN CAN PROVIDE A “LEADING STAGE” FOR DIALOGUE: BALAKRISHNAN
Speaking to reporters after the informal meeting, Dr. Balakrishnan said that ASEAN can provide a “conducive setting” for dialogue on Myanmar.
“ASEAN can help. ASEAN can provide a conducive setting. The fact that there is a regional organization that can have a frank conversation, that can engage in a conversation with the military leadership, is better than not having any communication and not having any. ability to express the … anxiety and concern of the world for the people of Myanmar, “he said.
Dr Balakrishnan said that the fact that ASEAN had convened the meeting to have the opportunity to hear from the representative of the Myanmar military authorities was “helpful”.
The minister added that the regional grouping could in the future even serve as a mediator for the issues being faced.
However, he noted that it would be premature at this stage, with the ongoing political arrest of the leaders of the National League for Democracy, including civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
He also said that Singapore has not recognized Myanmar’s military leaders.
READ: Singaporean Foreign Minister calls on Myanmar military to stop using lethal force against civilians
Hours earlier, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the use of deadly force by the Myanmar military in the ongoing demonstrations is a “disastrous” measure.
During an interview with the BBC, Lee said: “I think it is not acceptable to use lethal force against civilians and unarmed protesters.”
“That is disastrous not only at the international level, but also at the national level, because it means that civilians, everyone in Myanmar, know it.
“You can try to reduce the Internet, but the news is circulating and the people of Myanmar know who is on their side. If they decide that the government is not on their side, I think the government has a big problem,” he said. additional.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in an interview with the BBC on March 2, 2021 (Photo: Ministry of Communications and Information)
When asked by the BBC if he was suggesting more compromise and no sanctions, Mr Lee said it was not a matter of financial consideration.
He cited the “small” volume of trade between Myanmar and Singapore and other countries and questioned whether sanctions would make a difference.
“It will not be the military or the generals that will be harmed. It will be the people of Myanmar that will be harmed. It will deprive them of food, medicine, basic goods and educational opportunities. How does that make things better?” I ask.
At least 21 protesters have died since the riots began. The army said a policeman was killed.
The army has justified the February 1 coup by saying that its complaints of fraud in the November elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party were ignored. The electoral commission said the vote was fair.
READ: Myanmar police fire stun grenades as Southeast Asian ministers target talks
ASEAN READY TO FACILITATE DIALOGUE: RETNO MARSUDI
Separately, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during a press conference on Tuesday that ASEAN stands ready to facilitate dialogue if requested.
“Internal communication and dialogue between stakeholders in Myanmar is, of course, always the best option.
“However, Indonesia is confident that ASEAN is also ready to facilitate such dialogue if requested,” said Mdm Marsudi.
He said that all ASEAN member countries are expected to understand their rights and obligations, which are clearly stated in the ASEAN charter.
“The task of ASEAN member countries is to carry out the principles and values set out in the ASEAN charter in their entirety. Respecting the principle of non-interference is mandatory,” he said.
Indonesia has said it is in talks with both sides on the Myanmar political crisis, but its Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has no immediate plans to visit the nation AFP / Javier Lizon
She added: “I am sure that no ASEAN member country intends to violate the principle of non-interference.
“However, at the same time, respect human beings and implement other principles and values in the ASEAN charter, including democracy, respect for human rights, good governance, the rule of law, constitutional government, they are equally important, “he said.
He added that goodwill will not help if Myanmar does not open the door to ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said in a statement that the resolution of the political deadlock in Myanmar is a nationally led process.
“It is unquestionable that Myanmar has the prerogative in its internal political affairs. However, we hope that Myanmar will also constructively consider the concerns raised by ASEAN member states,” he said.
“If the situation in Myanmar worsens, ASEAN should view this recurring situation in Myanmar as a setback to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Myanmar should also continue to cooperate with ASEAN member states to avoid being a failure that could lead to possible instability in this region. “
