Indonesian President affirms importance of ASEAN five-point consensus on Myanmar

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has reaffirmed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s five-point consensus on Myanmar, during his phone talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has reaffirmed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s five-point consensus on Myanmar.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has reaffirmed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s five-point consensus on Myanmar.

The Indonesian foreign ministry said on January 22 that during the phone call on January 21, which was intended to update on the results of PM Hun Sen’s visit to Myanmar, the Indonesian leader emphasised that ASEAN’s approach towards Myanmar should be based on agreed principles, particularly the Five-Point Consensus.

The Myanmar military must provide access for the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy to be able to immediately communicate with all concerned parties in Myanmar, he said, noting that this communication is essential to pave the way for an inclusive national dialogue.

Responding to PM Hun Sen’s proposal to establish a troika consisting of the Cambodian Foreign Minister/Special Envoy, Brunei’s Foreign Minister, and Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, with the support of the ASEAN Secretary General to monitor the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, the Indonesian president took note and suggested that the proposal be further discussed among ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

He agreed to the proposal to establish a Consultative Meeting, consisting of the Special Envoy and the ASEAN Secretary General, the AHA Centre, the Myanmar authorities, as well as UN agencies to provide support for the distribution of humanitarian aid without discrimination.