Myanmar Releases Thousands of Prisoners, ASEAN Appeals for Aung San Suu Kyi

JAKARTA - Myanmar plans to release 4,335 prisoners in the run-up to Myanmar New Year. ASEAN welcomed the move, but also encouraged the release of other prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Quoted from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Friday, April 24, the appeal was made in a statement by the ASEAN Chair. ASEAN also welcomed the release of former Myanmar President U Win Myint as a positive step towards a more open national dialogue in Myanmar.

"In particular, we welcome the release of U Win Myint and view it as a positive step towards inclusive national dialogue among all parties in Myanmar," the ASEAN Chair said.

ASEAN also encouraged Myanmar to release other prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, in the spirit of reconciliation and peace.

The Myanmar crisis is still one of the biggest stumbling blocks in ASEAN. The violence has not stopped. Civilians still need to be protected. Humanitarian aid must also be able to enter without hindrance.

ASEAN stated that it remained ready to help find a peaceful and sustainable solution. The solution is said to be "owned and led by Myanmar" and still refers to the Five-Point Consensus.

The consensus is still the main reference for ASEAN to handle the Myanmar crisis. ASEAN also emphasized that Myanmar remains an integral part of the regional organization. The ASEAN chairman, who this year is held by the Philippines, again asked all parties in Myanmar to immediately stop violence, refrain from it, and guarantee the safety of civilians.

ASEAN also asked all parties to create safe conditions so that humanitarian aid could be distributed.

In the same statement, ASEAN welcomed the amnesty for Southeast Asian citizens. They are expected to be repatriated safely immediately, including those still detained, especially victims of human trafficking and transnational crimes.