• Burmese
Friday, July 11, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
19 °c
Falkenstein
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home Opinion Commentary

What Will the ASEAN Envoy Be Allowed to Achieve in Myanmar?

Aung Zaw by Aung Zaw
August 9, 2021
in Commentary
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0 0
A A
The junta's troops are seen during a crackdown against an anti-regime protest in Yangon in April.

The junta's troops are seen during a crackdown against an anti-regime protest in Yangon in April.

8.4k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Now it is official: Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof is ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar.

The process of selecting the special envoy took time, while lives were lost in Myanmar. ASEAN was criticized for dragging its feet over the appointment of the envoy while the political violence in Myanmar escalated.

Initially, three other candidates were proposed: Indonesia’s former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda, Thailand’s former deputy foreign minister Virasakdi Futrakul and Malaysia’s Razali Ismail, a former UN special envoy to Myanmar in the early 2000s.

RelatedPosts

Anti-Coup Icon Explains Urgent Call for NUG Reform

Anti-Coup Icon Explains Urgent Call for NUG Reform

July 11, 2025
7
KIA Denies Rumor Chief Under House Arrest in China

KIA Denies Rumor Chief Under House Arrest in China

July 11, 2025
176
Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

July 10, 2025
501

Myanmar’s coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing preferred Virasakdi, who served as ambassador to Myanmar in the early 1990s and is reportedly close to the Myanmar military.

Myanmar activists and observers are very much aware of the Thai military’s close ties with the military in Myanmar and didn’t want Virasakdi.

In fact, from the outset, ASEAN misread the military’s takeover as just another coup that would succeed. So far the coup in Myanmar has yet to succeed after six months and continues to face strong resistance. Thus, some critics have even called it a failed coup.

Anti-coup protesters and riot police at Yangon’s Hledan on Feb. 1. / The Irrawaddy

ASEAN’s announcement of the special envoy in a joint communique came three months after the bloc agreed on a five-point consensus to halt the violence in Myanmar, including sending humanitarian aid to the country and putting in place a process that would try to facilitate dialogue among all parties concerned.

The Bruneian diplomat said on Saturday that he should be given full access to all parties when he visits Myanmar. It is not known yet when he will visit.

“The planned visit to Myanmar is in the pipeline, and what we need to do is make sure we’re well prepared when we go there, unlike the visit I had in June,” Erywan told reporters in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the tiny sultanate, which shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia and Indonesia.

The people of Myanmar don’t have much faith in ASEAN, or give it much credibility; they worry that the junta, like its predecessors, will manipulate ASEAN to advance its interest—to remain in power—or, failing that, shut the door on the regional grouping.

‘Unrealistic timelines’

Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said it was too early to say how long the ASEAN effort to foster talks would take, saying “political solutions, whilst essential, are difficult, and will take, in my view, prolonged negotiations and discussions,” The Straits Times reported.

Singapore, meanwhile, has “engaged across the political spectrum in Myanmar”, Balakrishnan told reporters, declining to give further details.

“Singapore believes very firmly that there should be no external interference in the country. A country’s ultimate destiny is in the hands of its people,” he said. “Therefore, I would avoid trying to put unrealistic timelines.”

Last week, coup leader Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing pledged to hold an election by 2023. If it is held, the election would be without the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide victory in the 2020 general election.

Last month, the election outcome was annulled by the junta. The military-appointed Union Election Commission (UEC) announced the decision claiming that more than 11.3 million ballots had been discounted due to alleged fraud and other irregularities during the Nov. 8 vote.

Balakrishnan called the situation in Myanmar a “perfect storm”.

“The violence unfortunately has not stopped. There has been no release of the political detainees,” he said.

“There has been no dialogue going on between… all the stakeholders in Myanmar. And on top of the political turmoil, the economic standstill. Then to make things worse, the very dire COVID-19 situation.”

“The political turmoil contributes to the humanitarian disaster which is unfolding now and there is a need for us to extend assistance to the maximum extent that we can to the people of Myanmar,” said Balakrishnan.

“We hope that the assistance provided to Myanmar will reach the people on the ground with urgent and dire needs because of COVID-19. So this remains our focus right now.”

Meanwhile, the West, including the EU, as well as the UN and China have backed ASEAN’s five-point consensus.

Special envoys’ graveyard

Since 1988, Myanmar has seen dozens of special envoys flocking to the military-ruled country. They have miserably failed at their missions, often duped by the regime leaders.

Currently the UN has two Myanmar envoys: Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener and UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews. Both have been denied visas to enter Myanmar.

Bodies are lined up to be cremated at Yeway Cemetery in Yangon on July 12. / Supplied

In the past, the military regime known as the SLORC/SPDC co-opted some envoys or denied visas or simply stalled for time. For instance, Malaysia’s Razali, who was UN special envoy in the 2000s, was denied a visa. He quit in January 2006 in frustration at being denied a visa for 23 months in a row.

Some UN envoys were simply suckered. In the eyes of Myanmar’s oppressed citizens they were just laughing stocks.

In the past, the regime simply provided a list of candidates ahead of time that it would allow the envoys to meet with.

Many were regime sympathizers, members of political parties allied with the regime, representatives of local NGOs who received a blessing from the regime, scholars and “think tank” members who were known to be close to the regime.

A number of opposition and resistance forces have sprung up against February’s illegitimate coup, including the civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF). The country also has dozens of ethnic armed forces known as Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). They opposed the coup and constitute a formidable opposition to the junta.

‘Terrorist’ organizations

Recently, the junta declared the NUG, CRPH and PDF as “terrorist organizations.”

However, the ASEAN envoy would be expected to engage with the NUG, CRPH and all stakeholders.

Welcoming the appointment of the ASEAN Special Envoy, the European Union spokesman released a statement.

“In accordance with the other commitments in the ASEAN five-point consensus, meaningful political dialogue remains key with all stakeholders including the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic groups and other pro-democracy forces committed to working towards a peaceful resolution of the current crisis. In this spirit, the EU expects the military authorities to release those detained in connection with the coup and to end the violence across the country.”

U Wunna Maung Lwin, who serves as foreign minister for the junta, told the ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting held via video on Aug. 6, “Myanmar would not support the idea of engaging with CPRH and NUG since the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee on 8 May 2021 had declared them and their subordinates as terrorist groups, including non-state actors as stated in the EU’s spokesperson statement on the appointment of the special envoy because it would be a breach of the five-point consensus of the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting.”

Does that mean the junta is stubborn—or just clueless?

The military appears unwilling to admit the collapse of the economy and health care system in the country, or how bad things are on the ground. A majority of Myanmar people feel disgust and total opposition to the regime, and this is not waning; it is unfaltering.

In fact, if the junta leaders want to avoid losing face any further, the special envoy’s visit and engagement should provide an opportunity for them to climb down off the cliff and negotiate with the NLD and other political forces. But that is wishful thinking.

We know the answer. The generals won’t take this path.


You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Military and Ethnic Armed Groups Clash Close to Border With China

Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Kayah State Firefight

Myanmar Surgeon Arrested by Junta Dies After Contracting COVID-19 in Prison

Your Thoughts …
Tags: AseanconsensusCoupenvoyErywan YusofjuntanegotiateNLDregime
Aung Zaw

Aung Zaw

Aung Zaw is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Irrawaddy.

Similar Picks:

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow
Burma

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow

by The Irrawaddy
February 12, 2024
44.8k

Ethnic armed grouping says it will continue Operation 1027 offensive until goal of ousting the junta is achieved. 

Read moreDetails
Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses
Business

Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses

by The Irrawaddy
November 27, 2023
38.6k

Jin San Jiao is latest northern Shan State trade hub in crosshairs of ethnic Brotherhood Alliance.

Read moreDetails
Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report
Burma

Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report

by The Irrawaddy
January 15, 2024
36.6k

Rakhine-based armed group has reportedly detained the chief of 19th Military Operations Command after seizing his base in Paletwa Township.

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes
Business

Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes

by The Irrawaddy
June 4, 2024
27.7k

Monday’s arrests follow reports that Myanmar has become one of Thailand’s most lucrative markets for selling condos since the 2021...

Read moreDetails
China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar
Burma

China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar

by Yan Naing
July 15, 2022
34.8k

A Myanmar military-backed militia in Kachin State is protecting Chinese-run mines that produce coveted rare earth minerals used in hi-tech...

Read moreDetails
AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns
War Against the Junta

AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns

by The Irrawaddy
December 18, 2024
25.4k

Ethnic army reportedly poised to capture regime’s last stronghold in Rakhine State.

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Mandalay's Obo Prison in 2020. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmar Prison Probes Over 30 Political Detainees For Loud Protest

Motorbikes set alight by junta forces.

Hundreds of Villagers Flee Myanmar Junta Raids

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

‘Reforms Are Not Optional’: Prominent Activist Urges NUG to Act Before It’s Too Late

‘Reforms Are Not Optional’: Prominent Activist Urges NUG to Act Before It’s Too Late

2 days ago
963
Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

2 days ago
963

Most Read

  • Chinese Investment Reshapes Myanmar’s N. Shan as MNDAA Consolidates Power

    Chinese Investment Reshapes Myanmar’s N. Shan as MNDAA Consolidates Power

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Deploying Conscripts in Major Push to Reclaim Lost Territory

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Two Prominent Myanmar Ex-Political Prisoners Die Hours Apart in Yangon

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.