CNI News

8 Jan 2023

A difference is expected to be made in the Myanmar crisis during the term of the new ASEAN chairmanship, General Secretary Sai Leik of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy told the CNI.

Indonesia, which has taken over the chairmanship of the ASEAN, will not support the military dictatorship, he added.

Sai Leik told the CNI, "Indonesia, which has taken over the chairmanship, is the largest democracy in Southeast Asia. So, it will not support military dictatorship and push for democracy. It is expected that it will make a difference."

 ASEAN Chairman Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

International cooperation is essential to resolve the crisis, Spokesperson Col Saw Kyaw Nyunt of the Peace Process Steering Team, which is made up of seven EAO signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, told the CNI.

He said, "We will have to wait and see how the new chairmanship will have an impact on our cooperation. Currently, we need international cooperation and assistance to resolve the current crisis."

Pressure will be built on the SAC and it will strengthen the democracy movement, Political Observer U Than Soe Naing told the CNI.

Youth protestors.

U Than Soe Naing said, "Indonesia's chairmanship is good for us because the country is very sympathetic about democratic forces and will be a force to put pressure on the SAC to get certain outcomes. I think it will set a timeframe for implementation of the five-point consensus."

Cambodia has transferred ASEAN chairmanship to Indonesia on 1st January, 2023.