At the 36th annual ASEAN-US Dialogue in Washington, the United States urged Myanmar’s military junta to cease its violence and release those unjustly detained. This forum, aimed at bolstering cooperation between the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), featured discussions with high-ranking officials, including Chargé d’affaires Thet Win from Myanmar’s embassy in Washington.

During the forum, US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink underscored Washington’s call for the junta to halt all violence, free political prisoners, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to those in need, as reported by Irrawaddy. Kritenbrink reiterated that the US would collaborate closely with ASEAN to address the situation in Myanmar.

Following Myanmar's military coup, ASEAN proposed a Five-Point Consensus to resolve the crisis, calling for an immediate end to violence and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite initial international support, including from the US, the plan has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness as the junta has continued its violent crackdown.

Since the coup, Myanmar has experienced widespread unrest and resistance. The military’s brutal response has involved arbitrary arrests, airstrikes, shelling, and arson against civilians. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports that as of May 26, the junta has killed 5,148 people and detained 20,499, including pro-democracy activists and civilians. Over 2.3 million people have been displaced.

Despite these actions, Myanmar’s foreign ministry claimed that Chargé d’affaires Thet Win provided ASEAN with updates on the junta's efforts to implement the Five-Point Consensus, including steps towards humanitarian assistance.

BOB Post