Published April 26, 2021, 12:03 AM
At a special summit convened in Jakarta over the weekend, ASEAN leaders issued an urgent call for an end to violence in Myanmar and for steps to be taken to restore democracy following a military coup last February 1.
Their five-point statement of consensus also called for a visit to Myanmar by a special envoy of the ASEAN chair to initiate constructive dialogue among the contending parties. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance shall also be allowed to facilitate the provision of aid. The United Nations World Food program has expressed concern that up to 3.4 million people, mostly in urban centers, could go hungry within the next six months.