ASEAN weighs review of Myanmar peace plan, long-term envoy

ASEAN is considering a review of its ‘Five-Point Consensus’ on Myanmar and the creation of a long-term special envoy position, to replace the current system in which the rotating ASEAN chair appoints a different envoy each year, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.

In a recent interview with the Thai PBS ‘Tanloke’ programme, Lazaro said that, while the Five-Point Consensus remains the bloc’s “foundational document” in dealing with Myanmar, several member states have raised the idea of recalibration during the ASEAN foreign ministers’ retreat in Cebu.

“To a certain extent, I think there should be some kind of a review of the Five-Point Consensus,” she said, adding that ASEAN operates by consensus and any adjustment to its approach would require agreement among member states.

The retreat also discussed the possibility of creating a long-term special envoy position, to ensure continuity in ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar, with senior officials tasked with further studying the proposal.

Lazaro currently serves as chair of the ASEAN 10-country bloc, after the Philippines assumed this year’s chairmanship from Malaysia. She also serves as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar.

The Philippines is of the view that ASEAN should appoint a long-term special envoy, she said, stressing the need for institutional continuity.

“There should be knowledge of what has happened in the past,” Lazaro said, noting that, in her current role, she has relied on the work of the previous chair and intends to continue what Malaysia contributed and achieved.

Under current practice, the ASEAN chair, which rotates annually among the 10 member states, appoints its own special envoy to handle the Myanmar portfolio.

Despite the proposed review, Lazaro stressed that the Five-Point Consensus will continue to guide ASEAN’s engagement with Myanmar and remain anchored in the bloc’s core principles, including the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The consensus, adopted in 2021, calls for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, humanitarian assistance and a visit by the special envoy to meet all stakeholders.

As special envoy, Lazaro said she has engaged both Myanmar’s military leadership and other stakeholders in line with the consensus, including travelling to Naypyidaw to meet senior officials and convening discussions with stakeholders in the Philippines.

This is a process first initiated by Malaysia during its chairmanship.

Two key benchmarks remain central to ASEAN’s engagement, she said: cessation of hostilities and effective humanitarian access.

*The interview aired on the Thai PBS Tanloke programme on Channel 3 at 9pm on February 24.