ASEAN calls for dialogue and ceasefire expansion; UN warns of ‘catastrophic’ human rights crisis in Myanmar

ASEAN calls for dialogue and ceasefire expansion

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) urged the regime in Naypyidaw to extend a temporary ceasefire and engage in peace talks with its rivals at the 46th summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 27. ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told regional leaders that there has been “significant” progress made to engage the regime and the resistance in Burma. 

Anwar has called on the regime in Naypyidaw and the civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG) to begin peace talks. He held a face-to-face meeting with regime leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 17, and a virtual meeting with NUG Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann the following day.