April 29th 2023.
Two years ago, ASEAN negotiated a five-point consensus with the Burmese military, who had taken power in a February 2021 coup and arrested many leaders of Myanmar’s elected government. The consensus was a roadmap for ending violence and facilitating political dialogue, but the generals never followed through. The agreement included an immediate end to violence, dialogue between all parties, the appointment of a special envoy from ASEAN, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet with all parties.
(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)
Sadly, the Burmese junta has since ignored the consensus and been unrelenting in their war against Myanmar civilians, resulting in the deaths of over 4,000 people, the arrests of 17,000, and the torture or death of 150 people in government custody. ASEAN has made little progress in its attempts to use the five-point consensus as the basis for talks.
(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)
That changed when India hosted the second Track 1.5 dialogue with various countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. This time, Indonesia attended as an observer in its capacity as ASEAN's 2023 chairman. Thailand's strategy of allowing India to take the lead was successful in deflecting criticism of Thailand's attempt to bypass ASEAN. The April 25 meeting was an opportunity to give the junta the international legitimacy they seek, following another failed diplomatic attempt by former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Thailand sent their own foreign minister and special representative for Myanmar to meet with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw, further normalizing ties with the regime.
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