Protesters hold up a portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi and raise three-finger salutes, during a demonstration to mark the second anniversary of Myanmar's 2021 military coup, outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Bangkok, Thailand, February 1, 2023.  REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo
Myanmar

UN expert urges new approach to Myanmar crisis

The international community must reassess its fundamental approach to the crisis in Myanmar, a United Nations expert said on Wednesday.

JAKARTA (Reuters) - The international community must reassess its fundamental approach to the crisis in Myanmar, a United Nations expert said on Wednesday.

Thomas Andrews, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, said there had been zero progress on implementing ASEAN's five-point peace plan, which was agreed with Myanmar's military leaders after they seized power in a 2021 coup.

The peace consensus calls for an immediate halt in hostilities, safe humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue to achieve peace in the strife-torn country.

He added that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must not invite Myanmar's military personnel to high-level diplomatic meetings, or risk moving backwards by extending a sense of legitimacy to the junta.

Andrews was speaking in Jakarta.

Myanmar's generals have been barred from ASEAN leaders' meetings, but Thailand this week hosted separate talks aimed at re-engaging the junta. The meeting was shunned by key ASEAN countries.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)

Southern Europe battles wildfires as heatwave intensifies

Hurricane Erin weakens to Category 3 in Atlantic

Wildfires rage in Portugal and Spain amid summer heat wave

World Athletics to require gene test for female athletes

French voice of Ben Affleck fights to save dubbing in AI era