ASEAN special envoy meets Myanmar junta chief
Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing engaged in discussions with a special envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to reports from state media on Thursday.
This meeting took place as Laos assumed the chairmanship of the bloc, which has been actively promoting peace initiatives within Myanmar.
Alounkeo Kittikhoun, designated as the envoy on the Myanmar crisis by the chair, held talks with the military ruler. This encounter unfolded against a backdrop of growing frustration regarding the generals' apparent reluctance to commit to the peace plan collectively agreed upon by all ASEAN members, including Myanmar, in 2021.
Myanmar has been trapped in an unending cycle of violence since the military orchestrated a coup in 2021, toppling an elected government. Despite persistent calls from ASEAN, the junta has yet to cease hostilities and implement the "five-point consensus" outlined in the agreement.
The junta has consistently refused to engage in dialogue with opposing forces, including the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and the pro-democracy resistance movement, both integral components of the ASEAN-endorsed plan. The junta labels these groups as "terrorists."
Recent months have witnessed a surge in violence, particularly in northern Myanmar, where ethnic minority armies have escalated efforts to reclaim territories from the junta. These efforts have included capturing outposts and even securing a major commercial town along the border with China.
Facing challenges on multiple fronts, the military is contending with pro-democracy militias that emerged in response to its harsh crackdown on nationwide protests. The situation remains complex and tense as Myanmar navigates through these multifaceted challenges.
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