In assisting Myanmar to come back to stabilisation, ASEAN can carry a distinct role.

The ASEAN states, including Singapore, have intensively discussed the political crisis in Myanmar and can play a discreet role in helping Myanmar return to stability, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told Parliament. The bloc, however, stands firm on its policy of not interfering in its members’ domestic politics, he added.

Dr Balakrishnan, who responded to questions from Mr Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) about the situation in Myanmar, said the key now is not to escalate the situation, but to keep communication avenues open and continually engage key stakeholders. He said: “We hope fervently for national reconciliation in Myanmar. And the only way this can happen is if all parties, in good faith, sit down, talk, negotiate and achieve reconciliation.

READ MORE: http://bitly.ws/bRW9