Zaw Min Tun (L), spokesman for Myanmar military and the State Administration Council (SAC), speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on April 28, 2021. A solution to the Myanmar issue can be worked out in the "Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) way," said Zaw Min Tun. (Xinhua/Zhang Dongqiang)
YANGON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A solution to the Myanmar issue can be worked out in the "Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) way," said Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for Myanmar military and the State Administration Council (SAC), in a recent interview with Xinhua.
Chairman of the SAC and Commander-in-chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing has explained the current situation in Myanmar to ASEAN leaders in person and listened to their opinions, views and suggestions when attending the ASEAN leaders' meeting held in Indonesia's Jakarta on April 24, Zaw Min Tun said.
A five-point consensus was reached by the ASEAN leaders regarding the situation in Myanmar at the meeting, which called for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar and for a constructive dialogue among all parties involved in the fighting, and also suggested appointing a special envoy of the ASEAN Chair to facilitate mediation of the dialogue process.
"ASEAN leaders have great experience in politics in each country and within the region, which we highly respect and value," Zaw Min Tun said, adding that the regional countries' issues can be solved in accordance with the ASEAN Charter in the "ASEAN" way.
Regarding the consensus reached at the meeting, Zaw Min Tun said that constructive suggestions on Myanmar will be given careful consideration, and visits to Myanmar proposed by ASEAN will be considered based on the state stability, since priorities at the moment were to restore peace and stability in the country.
He added that the suggestions, which can facilitate the five-point roadmap laid down by the SAC, in line with the interests of the country and the ASEAN Charter, "ASEAN way" and "ASEAN spirit," will be positively considered.
Relevant work will be carried out by forming technical teams and more details about the process will come out by then, said the spokesman.
He reiterated that the five-point roadmap includes the reform of the Union Election Commission to review the electoral process of last year's general elections, continuation of ongoing preventive measures against COVID-19, recovery of business and achievement of eternal peace across the country.
Meanwhile, he said that Myanmar will pursue the multiparty democracy path, saying that free and fair elections will be held and the state power will be handed over to the winning party after tasks are accomplished, in line with the provisions of the state of emergency, hoping that ASEAN members and neighboring countries including China will have trust in this.
He said Myanmar has good neighbors, highlighting that Myanmar and China enjoy the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.
Mentioning that China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson made remarks about the ASEAN leaders' special meeting, Zaw Min Tun said it is appreciated that China paid attention to the stability and development of Myanmar and they value and respect China's opinions.
Zaw Min Tun said they would like to see the UN as a global family, hoping the UN Security Council and UN organizations can understand them by reviewing the real situation in Myanmar.
He said Myanmar needs to be careful as a new wave of COVID-19 is hitting some countries, and has already approved the use of vaccines from India, Russia and China.
He said China not only donated medicines and equipment, but also shared the experience by sending medical experts to Myanmar, hoping that Myanmar can receive continuous support from China, which is globally recognized for containment and treatment of COVID-19.
Admitting that there are still violence and bloodshed in the country, Zaw Min Tun said tension has been eased to some extent as the number of protests has declined, and they will continue their efforts in restoring order and stability in Myanmar. Enditem
