The National Unity Government’s Position on the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar

1. The National Unity Government of Myanmar warmly welcomes the ASEAN leaders’ exclusive statement on the political situation in Myanmar. We deeply appreciate the leaders’ expression of concern and their continued commitment to Myanmar as a valued member of the ASEAN family. We firmly believe that ASEAN has a vital role to play in resolving Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.
2. The National Unity Government expresses its appreciation for ASEAN’s strong call for the immediate cessation of violence against civilians and public infrastructure, the halting of indiscriminate attacks, the exercise of utmost restraint, and the protection and safety of all civilians.
3. The National Unity Government acknowledges the ASEAN leaders’ call for an extended and expanded ceasefire to create a safe and conducive environment for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. In this spirit, and in response to the recent devastating earthquake, the National Unity Government declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts in the affected areas. Regrettably, we note with deep concern that, despite its own declared ceasefire, the military junta continues to conduct airstrikes, artillery attacks, excessive use of force against civilians, and other acts of violence, including the destruction of property and loss of innocent lives.
4. The National Unity Government firmly believes that ensuring the safety and protection of civilians requires the establishment of a robust and structured international ceasefire monitoring mechanism under the leadership of ASEAN.
5. The National Unity Government appreciates ASEAN’s emphasis on the safe, timely, effective, and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance, based on the findings of the ASEAN-ERAT Rapid Needs Assessment and the Joint Needs Assessment conducted by the AHA Centre. In the interest of enhancing the effectiveness of these efforts, we urge ASEAN to incorporate assessments from the National Unity Government and Ethnic Resistance Organizations, which collectively govern nearly 80 percent of the country’s territory. We also encourage ASEAN to engage directly with these areas and to facilitate cross-border humanitarian assistance in coordination with neighboring countries.
6. The National Unity Government reaffirms its strong commitment to collaborating with ASEAN in strengthening regional cooperation with member states, external partners, neighboring countries, and the United Nations to enhance coordinated responses to the growing transnational challenges, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cyber-enabled crimes linked to the current situation in Myanmar.
7. In pursuit of a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led durable political solution, the National Unity Government remains open and ready to engage with any entity that demonstrates genuine accountability and a commitment to the aspirations of the people of Myanmar. These aspirations are embodied in the goals of the Spring Revolution: the end of military dictatorship, the establishment of a federal democratic union, and the pursuit of transitional justice.
8. The National Unity Government recognizes the critical role of the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar. However, the current one-year tenure, aligned with the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship, often limits the continuity and depth of engagement. In this regard, we respectfully propose that ASEAN consider extending the tenure of the Special Envoy to ensure sustained coordination, build lasting trust among stakeholders, and support the continued implementation of initiatives aligned with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. A longer mandate would enhance the envoy’s ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue and coordinate international support, including with the United Nations and other partners.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

National Unity Government

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