Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro on Friday said the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus remains the core framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar, even as discussions continue on possible adjustments to strengthen humanitarian efforts and engagement with stakeholders.
Speaking after the 25th ASEAN Lecture organized by the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, Lazaro reiterated there is no change in ASEAN’s position, although member states are assessing areas where progress has been limited.
“I repeat, there’s no change. The Five-Point Consensus continues to be the very foundation of how we are going to deal with Myanmar,” she said.
“There are discussions on possible recalibration, but perhaps at a later stage,” she added.
Lazaro said she plans to consult other stakeholders before raising the matter further with ASEAN foreign ministers.
She acknowledged challenges faced by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and said talks are ongoing on appointing a long-term special envoy for Myanmar.
“It’s very important to continue engaging other stakeholders. This cannot be on a yearly basis. There should be a long-term special envoy for continuity. That is the Philippine position,” she said.
Myanmar recently concluded the third and final round of its elections as part of a month-long process organized by the ruling military junta, which seized power in February 2021 after ousting the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Earlier, on January 29, Lazaro said ASEAN does not recognize Myanmar’s three-phase elections, citing unresolved political complexities.
