ASEAN appoints envoy to open dialogue in Myanmar

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has appointed Brunei’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof as its special envoy to facilitate the mediation of the dialogue process in Myanmar. The appointment of the envoy from Brunei comes amid media reports of deep divisions within ASEAN countries on the issue.The announcement came in a joint communique issued after the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meet on Wednesday in which 10 countries including Myanmar took part virtually. 
The communique said that the special envoy will start his work in Myanmar, including building trust and confidence with full access to all parties concerned and providing a clear timeline on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus reached in April during the meeting of ASEAN leaders.  The special envoy will visit Myanmar to seek ways to end violence and open dialogue between all parties. He will also oversee a humanitarian aid package.
The appointment of the Special Envoy for Myanmar was part of the five point consensus arrived at the meeting of ASEAN leaders held in April. The five point consensus includes cessation of violence in Myanmar, constructive dialogue among all parties to seek a peaceful solution and appointment of a special envoy who will visit Myanmar to meet all parties concerned among others.  The communique expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar and reports of fatalities and violence. It welcomed Myanmar’s commitment to the five point consensus reached in the ASEAN leader’s meeting in April.