During the public and international message delivery session on May 27, U Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the National Unity Government’s Presidential Office, stated that ASEAN’s current approach of coordinating solely with the military council in providing aid to earthquake-affected Myanmar civilians has proven ineffective. While acknowledging and welcoming ASEAN’s special efforts in humanitarian assistance, he emphasized that evidence shows working exclusively with the military council cannot result in effective aid delivery. U Kyaw Zaw pointed out that historical evidence demonstrates the limitations of this single-channel approach.
U Kyaw Zaw further highlighted that people in NUG-controlled earthquake-affected areas have not yet received necessary assistance. He urged ASEAN to consult and cooperate with both the National Unity Government and ethnic revolutionary forces in their aid efforts. While welcoming ASEAN’s efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, he cautioned that forcing dialogue through pressure tactics would not contribute to long-term problem resolution. The NUG emphasized that ASEAN should first help create conditions for establishing common ground and facilitating dialogue between revolutionary forces.
The National Unity Government stressed the importance of ASEAN’s role in creating an environment where revolutionary forces can develop common positions and engage in mutual dialogue. They explained that finding a lasting solution for the country through the unity of revolutionary forces aligns with ASEAN’s consistently advocated Myanmar-Owned, Myanmar-Led approach. The NUG also pointed out that unilateral pressure from a neighboring country in the northern Shan State situation does not contribute to genuine peace and stability. The government called on ASEAN to take a firm central and leadership role in facilitating inclusive dialogue aimed at addressing the country’s fundamental issues, suggesting that the current Myanmar situation presents a timely opportunity for ASEAN to restore its credibility.
