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Myanmar Opposition Request Representation at ASEAN Meeting in Jakarta
Myanmar’s opposition figures have called on ASEAN to give them a say in the Association’s summit in Jakarta on Saturday April 24, following news that General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the country’s military junta will attend the meeting.
The deputy foreign minister of the opposition National Unity Government [NUG], Moe Zaw Oo, criticized ASEAN for inviting General Min to the summit.
“If ASEAN wishes to aid in resolving the crisis in Myanmar, they will not get far if they do not consult with NUG. [The NUG] is [Myanmar’s] legitimate government, because we have the support of the people,” Moe said to Burma Voice of America last Sunday.
“It is imperative that ASEAN member countries not recognize the military junta.”
The AFP news agency reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged ASEAN member countries to take more actions to end the crisis in Myanmar.
"ASEAN's role is more crucial than ever as the region faces an urgent crisis in Myanmar,” Guterres said. "I urge regional actors [such as ASEAN] to leverage their influence to prevent further deterioration and, ultimately, find a peaceful way out of this catastrophe."
The ASEAN summit will be General Min’s first official overseas trip since he masterminded the overthrow and arrest of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader that holds the NUG’s loyalty.