ASEAN leaders want immediate end of violence in Myanmar, release of political prisoners
The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) demanded the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and for the release of all political prisoners as they called on all parties involved to exercise "utmost restraint."

The ASEAN made the statement following the turmoil in Myanmar that started in February this year when the military staged a coup d'etat that overthrew civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, prompting mass uprising in many parts of the said country.
Based on the ASEAN Chairman's Statement, the Leaders of the region had a close discussion on the recent developments in Myanmar and expressed their deep concern on the situation in the country, including reports of fatalities and escalation of violence.
"We acknowledged ASEAN’s positive and constructive role in facilitating a peaceful solution in the interest of the people of Myanmar and their livelihoods, and therefore agreed to the 'Five-Point Consensus' attached to this Chairman’s Statement," it read.
"We also heard calls for the release of all political prisoners including foreigners," he added.
In their Five-Point Consensus. the ASEAN Leaders demanded the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and all parties shall exercise utmost restraint.
The Leaders also pushed for constructive dialogue among all parties concerned shall commence seeking a peaceful solution in the interests of the people.
There will be a special envoy of the ASEAN Chair who shall facilitate mediation of the dialogue process, with the assistance of the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The special envoy and delegation shall visit Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned.
Meanwhile, the Leaders agreed that ASEAN shall provide humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing flew in from Myanmar on Saturday morning for the closed-door talks with presidents and prime ministers from six other ASEAN states. The Philippines, Thailand, and Laos sent their foreign ministers instead.