Southeast Asian leaders sharply criticised Myanmar’s junta as a regional summit opened on Tuesday without a representative from the country, following its top general’s exclusion for ignoring a peace roadmap agreed six months ago.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) had said it would accept a non-political figure from Myanmar at the virtual meeting, but the junta on Monday rejected that, saying it would only agree to its leader or a minister attending.
In a snub to the leader of a member state, Asean had decided to sideline chief Min Aung Hlaing, who led a February 1 coup that spiralled into violence, for his failure to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian access and start dialogue, as agreed with Asean.
The decision was a huge insult to Myanmar’s military and a rare, bold step by a regional grouping known for its code of consensus, non-interference and engagement.
“Today, Asean did not expel Myanmar from Asean’s framework. Myanmar abandoned its right,” said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who will be the group’s chairman next year.
“Now we are in the situation of Asean minus one. It is not because of Asean, but because of Myanmar.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in his remarks to leaders, lamented Myanmar’s “unwelcome attitude” towards Asean’s diplomatic efforts, Retno said. “Asean’s decision to invite a Myanmar representative on a non-political level was a heavy one, but it had to be done,” she said.
“It’s important for us to honour the principles of non-interference. But on the other hand, we’re obligated to uphold other principles ... like democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, and a constitutional government,” she said, quoting the President.