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SINGAPORE: A peaceful resolution of the situation in Myanmar is possible as long as all parties can come together for a genuine and direct dialogue, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Friday (March 5).
“We therefore hope that the military authorities will release President Win Myint and State Councilor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi so that these discussions can begin,” he told the House in response to parliamentary questions from MPs.
We also support the visit of the special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to Myanmar, Ms. Christine Burgener, and hope that she will also have access on that visit to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the other NLD (National League for Democracy) leaders. “.
If events continue to escalate, it will be even more difficult for all parties in Myanmar to achieve that essential reconciliation, Dr Balakrishnan added.
READ: UN expert urges a ‘global arms embargo’ and sanctions on Myanmar
The tensions will affect the long-term stability of the region. There will also be a greater humanitarian impact given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its economic strains, as well as the unresolved resettlement of displaced people from Rakhine state, he said.
THE SITUATION IN MYANMAR STILL UNCERTAIN
Myanmar has been in crisis since February 1 when the military overthrew and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, ending the decade-long experiment with democracy in the country and sparking massive daily protests.
At least 38 people died Wednesday on the “bloodiest” day since the coup, according to the United Nations.
On Thursday, the Singaporean government strongly advised its citizens in Myanmar to consider leaving while it is still possible to do so, and also asked Singaporeans to postpone their trip to the Southeast Asian country.
READ: Singapore advises citizens to consider leaving Myanmar as soon as possible
The situation in Myanmar remains “fraught with much uncertainty” and there remains “a significant risk of escalation,” Dr. Balakrishnan said on Friday.
He noted that he has spoken at length so far about Singapore’s response to events in Myanmar, such as earlier this week during his ministry’s Supply Committee debate, where he called on the Myanmar military to stop the use of lethal force against civilians. .
He also attended an informal meeting between the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday.
“The meeting reaffirmed ASEAN’s practice of discussing important issues of common concern whenever they arise. This meeting was an opportunity to have a frank, open and sincere discussion and to reflect the concerns of the international community directly to the representatives of the military authorities ”.
READ: ASEAN must reiterate guiding principles when it comes to the situation in Myanmar: Vivian Balakrishnan
ASEAN Foreign Ministers urged Myanmar’s military to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, Dr. Balakrishnan said, adding that he had conveyed Singapore’s “grave concerns” about the situation. in Myanmar.
“The use of deadly force against unarmed civilians is inexcusable under any circumstances. The immediate concern is to step back from a rapidly deteriorating situation, ”he said.
“I asked the military authorities to find a peaceful solution for Myanmar. The alternative is prolonged instability and, to quote Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, a huge and tragic step backward, “said Dr Balakrishnan, citing an interview Mr Lee had with the BBC on Tuesday.
LEE: The use of lethal force by the Myanmar military is ‘disastrous’, but common sense may still prevail: PM Lee
HELP FOR RAKHINE STATE REFUGEES
Dr. Balakrishnan also said that Singapore’s assistance to displaced people from Rakhine State is ongoing.
Singapore has contributed more than S $ 1 million in humanitarian aid to both Bangladesh and Myanmar, along with contributions to the ASEAN Coordination Center for Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Management.
Singapore’s private sector and community organizations have also stepped up to raise funds for the material needs of people in refugee camps.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has compromised the delivery of part of this humanitarian assistance, the minister said.
“It is important for us to resume efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of refugees back to Rakhine State,” he told the House.
“We are prepared to send more aid shipments and we are ready to support future comprehensive needs assessments once repatriation begins, so that we can be more specific in helping displaced people.”
READ: Singaporean Foreign Minister calls on Myanmar military to stop using lethal force against civilians
Ultimately, the solution to Myanmar’s political and humanitarian problems “lies with Myanmar itself and in the hands of its people,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.
“We hope to see an outcome that reflects the interests and will of the people of Myanmar.
“Singapore and ASEAN hope that Myanmar will be successful on its way to democratic transition and national reconciliation … We can only hope that wisdom prevails and despite all the bloodshed so far, I still think it is not too much. late, “he said.
MP Leon Perera (WP-Aljunied) asked if ASEAN is monitoring the situation “with a view to keeping all other options open” to push Myanmar towards reconciliation if the situation worsens.
Dr. Balakrishnan replied: “The short answer is yes and the foreign ministers are in daily contact with each other.”
