Dialogue with 27 Myanmar groups sees positive engagement, says Anwar
The dialogue involving 27 groups linked to the Myanmar conflict saw all participants engaging positively, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – BERNAMA PIC
KUALA LUMPUR: The dialogue involving 27 groups linked to the Myanmar conflict saw all participants engaging in a positive manner, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the dialogue, coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, brought together opposition groups, minority representatives, and political parties to ensure that Malaysia is seen as engaging with all sides in efforts to restore peace and stability in Myanmar.
“All the opposition groups, 27 of them, have been invited (to the dialogue) so that we are seen to be engaging with all sides.
“Coordinated by the Foreign Ministry, the groups, comprising minorities and political parties, participated in a very positive manner,” he said in his remarks at the 20th East Asia Summit.
In April this year, Malaysia as Asean chair extended the invitation in a bid to find a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis.
Yesterday, Asean renewed its calls for Myanmar’s authorities to end violence, uphold an extended ceasefire, and make genuine progress on the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) peace plan.
Asean presses Myanmar to act on stalled peace plan
In a statement issued at the 47th Asean Summit, the regional bloc expressed “deep concern” over the lack of substantial progress in implementing the 5PC and urged all parties in Myanmar to deescalate hostilities and protect civilians.
Commenting further, Anwar said Asean is committed to honouring the 5PC and providing all necessary support on two conditions, which are an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, including full access to the military hospital irrespective of minorities or political persuasions.
He added that the matter was also conveyed to (XMyanmar Prime MinisterX) Min Aung Hlaing, who has been cooperative and engaging with him.
“When I met him in Bangkok, I said that Asean is committed to providing all the necessary humanitarian support on the two conditions.
“I must commend that the senior general agreed to this, and over the past year, we have seen some relative progress.
“Although there have been complaints about some shootings, they are certainly not on the same scale as before,” he said.
