ASEAN Chair Says Myanmar Amnesty Positive, Urges Freedom for Suu Kyi
ASEAN Chair Says Myanmar Amnesty Positive, Urges Freedom for Suu Kyi
MANILA, April 24, 2026 — The Philippines, this year’s chair of ASEAN, urged Myanmar on Friday to release more prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying a recent mass amnesty was a positive step toward inclusive national dialogue.
In a statement issued in its capacity as chair of the 10-member Southeast Asian bloc, Manila said it remained committed to helping Myanmar, “an integral part of ASEAN,” achieve a durable and peaceful solution to its political crisis.
“We reaffirm our commitment to assist Myanmar … in achieving a lasting, stable and peaceful resolution to its domestic political crisis,” the statement said.
The call came after Myanmar’s authorities announced the release of more than 4,000 prisoners during the traditional New Year period. ASEAN members have cautiously welcomed the move while pressing for broader reconciliation efforts.
Aung San Suu Kyi, 80, has been detained since the military overthrew her elected civilian government in a 2021 coup that plunged the country into civil conflict. She is serving a combined 27-year prison sentence on multiple charges that her allies say are politically motivated.
Her sentence was recently reduced by one-sixth under the amnesty measures, while former President Win Myint, a close ally, was among those released.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said this week that Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing told him Suu Kyi was receiving proper care and that “good things” for her were under consideration, though no further details were provided.
The 2021 coup triggered widespread unrest and armed resistance across Myanmar, drawing rare intervention from ASEAN. The bloc has barred Myanmar’s junta leaders from attending its summits in recent years over failure to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus peace plan.
Min Aung Hlaing, who recently assumed the presidency, has said his priorities include peace, national reconciliation and restoring normal ties with ASEAN.
The Philippines said recent developments should be followed by further confidence-building measures to create conditions for dialogue involving all stakeholders.
