Myanmar rejects ASEAN envoy, calls role unnecessary

Myanmar's military-backed government has pushed back against the ‌regional ASEAN bloc's special envoy for the war-torn country, days after its leader made a landmark visit to Thailand, which is pushing for its neighbour's full re-engagement with the grouping.

The relationship between Myanmar and the 11-member Association for Southeast Asian Nations has been strained since ​early 2021 when the military leader ousted an elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu ​Kyi, sparking a nationwide civil war that has killed an estimated 100,000 people and ⁠displaced millions.

Myanmar's leadership has since been banned from top-level ASEAN meetings over their failure to implement a "five-point consensus" peace ​plan agreed with the bloc.

In a weekend statement, Myanmar's foreign ministry said an ASEAN special envoy for Myanmar ​was no longer needed, pointing to an election held around the turn of the year.

"Myanmar is of the view that the appointment and the continued role of the new special envoy of the ASEAN chair are no longer necessary," the statement said.

The ​widely criticised election held in December and January was won by a military-backed party in the absence of ​any substantial opposition, allowing Myanmar's then junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to transition to become the country's president.

After talks with Min Aung ‌Hlaing ⁠in Bangkok last week, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that Thailand wants peace and stability in Myanmar as part of ASEAN's peace plan and is not abandoning regional concerns.

However, Myanmar's pro-military parliament last month passed a motion rejecting ASEAN's plan, calling it interference and adding that ASEAN should reassess its position on the country.

-Reuters