Aung San Suu Kyi’s participation indispensable to resolving Myanmar’s political crisis: NLD

The Central Working Committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD) issued a statement declaring that the participation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi — who it says holds the popular will and legitimate mandate — is indispensable to resolving Myanmar’s political crisis, and stressed the importance of preventing any international recognition of an administration resulting from the military junta’s sham election. In the statement, dated 20 July ahead of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), the NLD said the root cause of Myanmar’s political crisis lies in the military coup that annulled the results of the 2020 general election. It said any political process excluding Aung San Suu Kyi, ethnic forces, and political organizations will fail to secure public trust and acceptance. The NLD said the continued detention of political prisoners remains the primary obstacle to resolving the crisis, and urged the creation of an environment in which Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders can freely engage in dialogue. While welcoming the constructive efforts of the United Nations, ASEAN, and friendly nations, the party reaffirmed that the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus remains the core framework for resolving the crisis. The NLD said ASEAN’s engagement policy could steer toward a practical political solution, but cautioned that such engagement must not extend to recognizing an administration produced by the junta’s sham election. The statement also demanded an immediate end to violence against civilians, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and the implementation of all-inclusive dialogue. The NLD reiterated its commitment to resolving political issues solely through negotiation and dialogue, saying the building of a future democratic federal union and the peace process must be anchored in the public will, democratic principles, and the rule of law. The statement was released as the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) opened in Manila on 20 July. ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to hold an informal consultation specifically on Myanmar on 22 July as part of the week’s meetings, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.