Cebu: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Five-Point Consensus as the primary framework in addressing Myanmar's political crisis. This comes as the members of the regional bloc expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of conflict and the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, according to the ASEAN Chair's statement released Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu on Friday, the leaders noted 'minimal progress' on the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders' Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which calls for immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian assistance. The ASEAN leaders also denounced the 'continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities.'

'We reaffirmed our united position that the 5PC remains our primary reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar and further reaffirmed the relevant Leaders' decisions,' the chair's statement read. '(We) urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructure, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue,' it added.

The member-states welcomed the continued progress of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Center) to implement Point 4 of the 5PC. They also lauded Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, for her efforts to engage 'a wide and diverse range of Myanmar stakeholders,' reflecting ASEAN's commitment to an 'inclusive and lasting solution to the crisis that is Myanmar-owned and -led.'

Engagement was also extended to ASEAN dialogue partners, Myanmar's neighboring countries, international and regional partners, as well as civil society organizations and humanitarian actors. Despite the latest developments, ASEAN reaffirmed that Myanmar remains an integral part of the regional bloc, noting the conclusion of the three phases of Naypyidaw's general elections.

'We took note of the deliberations of the Senior Officials on the Non-Paper on the Elements for the Terms of Reference of the Special Envoy of ASEAN on Myanmar and recognized the importance of arriving at common positions on key strategic questions, including its proposed mandate, support structure, funding, tenure, and alignment with the 5PC,' the ASEAN chair said. 'We also took note of Myanmar's position on this matter. We looked forward to the conclusion of the ASEAN Senior Officials' deliberations on the proposal for a long-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to ensure continuity in the role, in line with the mandate given by the ASEAN Leaders.'

ASEAN member-states also viewed the release of more than 4,000 prisoners in Myanmar, including U Win Myint, the subsequent release of more than 1,500 prisoners, and the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to a designated residence as a 'positive step towards inclusive national dialogue among all parties in Myanmar.' They renewed their call for the release of the remaining prisoners.